Intrepid local youngsters pursuing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at St Sampson’s High School are now fully kitted out for their expedition following a recent grant from Condor Ferries.
The Condor Community Fund has provided the school with funds to purchase replacement equipment including tents, backpacks and stoves for use by the students for the DofE Bronze and Silver award’s six self-reliant expeditions which are undertaken in the current year.
Jess Ingles, from St Sampson’s School, who heads up the scheme, was really pleased with the new arrivals. She explained: “‘I am very passionate about DofE and want to make it accessible to all and inclusive so that youngsters don’t have to buy their own kit. The donation from Condor is therefore really appreciated and means we can accept an unlimited number of participants.
“When we started DofE here in 2020 there were just six students but it has become increasingly popular, so this year there are more than 100 signed up to either tackle Silver or Bronze.”
Vicky Godley, the school’s Principal, added: “It’s a brilliant scheme as it helps develop youngsters’ confidence, leadership and communication skills and also looks great on a CV.”
Olivia Lloyd, a year 10 student at the school, who has just started the Silver award, said: “I liked doing Bronze as it was a good experience and I want to challenge and push myself. It made sense to carry on to Silver and we will go on a camping expedition to Sark or Jersey next year which will be fab.”
Condor’s Community Fund was originally established in 2019 and supports Islanders who give up their time to develop community activities. The Fund sees numerous applications from across the Islands with a focus on sustainability, local benefit and enjoyment for others.
Greg Yeoman, Condor’s Commercial Director, commented: “The applications we receive through the Fund really show there is some fabulous work being done in our community. We are therefore really pleased to support Jess and her colleagues at St Sampson’s High School and hope this inspires more youngsters to join DofE which is so rewarding.”
Pictured: Brew-up: Vicki Godley, St Sampson’s High School Principal, receives a cuppa from a DofE student.
