Sophie – aged 14 - completed the Assistant Lowland Leadership Course
“I was interested in doing this course for many reasons. It allowed me to spend more time in the outdoors doing navigation and hiking, which I loved. It also allowed me to develop my confidence and leadership skills in formal situations.
Being a leader on an expedition made me nervous at first, but I quickly learned to rely on all my training and trust myself. What I really loved about these experiences was that whenever I was helping or guiding someone that wasn’t completely confident in their skills, their achievements felt like my own leadership success. It was so great to see their self-belief grow over the trip and know I got to help them.
Completing the course really helped my own confidence in my navigation and leadership skills as well as social skills as I was encouraged to work with and talk to people I previously wouldn’t have been able to. I improved my organisation skills doing this course through being responsible for walks, lessons and route cards.
I’ve been able to transfer these skills into my work, education and social life. From working in a shop I’ve got to use my problem-solving skills, my experiences from doing the course have helped me stay calm in pressured or unfamiliar situations.
I would recommend this course to anyone who has the opportunity to do it. Not only is it a unique experience that gives lots to showcase on CV’s, applications and interviews, it develops skills in a fun and interesting way. I got to go on trips and make new friends while also becoming a more confident leader and individual.“
Honey – aged 14, young carer - achieved Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards
“I enjoyed the hiking most, though it can be very challenging at times, especially if you aren't use to it. I got to experience the outdoors and to spend time with my classmates outside of school which is almost impossible as a young carer. I got to learn more about my friends and got to see many beautiful areas. Getting to appreciate my surroundings was beneficial to me as I'd never seen some areas in Scotland before and where I live is nowhere near as nice.
It was really enjoyable being away from home. My home can be filled with stress and chores and it's difficult for me to get out, so DofE got me outside but was also a chance for me to enjoy time with my classmates I wouldn't usually get. We all had a good laugh and our friendships got stronger from teamwork.”
Callum – aged 15 – completed the Assistant Lowland Expedition Leadership course
“I chose to do this course as it allowed me to share my passion for the outdoors with other people whilst also developing my leadership skills. It also gave me experience of teamwork and taking responsibility. All of these have come in extremely useful in the workplace so far. As a leader there is a real sense of responsibility, you need to be aware of the risks involved in each situation. It gives the opportunity to inspire others as they look up to you. This does mean you need to be aware of your actions and their consequences, as you should be held to a higher standard.
My confidence in front of groups was massively improved by the opportunity the course gave me which has made me far more confident in the workplace and at university when presenting. Learning something new is never easy but this course taught me how important determination is and what it represents.
The course taught me the practical skills of problem solving, which has led me on to pursue a career in engineering. It helped me get a Graduate Apprenticeship as an engineer at the end of S5 as it demonstrated I was a responsible, mature, young person.
My leadership skills have already became useful at university where I have taken leading roles in group projects. In the workplace I have also had the confidence to lead projects within my department. The course was a fantastic talking point during the interview process at multiple companies where they were so encouraged to hear about young people taking leadership opportunities at such a young age. “