The Award has been part of my life for as long as I can remember – Adventurous Journeys (AJs) were part of my childhood and my dad encouraged me to enrol in the Award as soon as I could. What I didn’t realise was how much more I would get from taking part. I developed a passion for volunteering that stays with me 20 years after I first enrolled. I learned to play the clarinet! I made lifelong friends who I still adventure with today. I was presented my Award in the DofE’s 50th year, at Buckingham Palace. I qualified as a Leader and AJ Supervisor and supported more young people to get their Awards. I ran Young First Aider training and had far too much fun with fake wounds. I have more memories than I can list, and I wear my Gold Award pin badge with pride.