Carol’s Volunteer Story
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a real adventure for participants. Volunteers with Somerset Council support the delivery of these amazing experiences for young people across the county.
There are two volunteer roles that support the activities required for young people to achieve these great awards.
- DofE Assessor – All qualifying DofE expeditions must be assessed. Volunteers in this role supervise and assess expeditions. These take place on the Quantocks, Mendips, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Brecon Beacons and in other places – it all depends on where the DofE centre is doing their expedition.
- Bath and West Volunteer – This role helps supervise the Gold award residentials by helping out during the day.
Jenny, from the Central Volunteer Team at Somerset Council, spoke to Carol to find out about her experience as a volunteer for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. As well as volunteering, Carol is the D of E Operations Manager at Somerset Council. Carol currently volunteers as an Assessor for the team.
What does your volunteering role involve Carol?
I go out and volunteer as an assessor on expeditions one weekend a year.
I assess that the young people taking part are keeping to the requirements needed for their award, such as walking and map reading unaided, following the countryside code and have competent campcraft. Working with the expedition supervisor to enable young people to complete this particular section of their award.
Why did you start volunteering?
I have an accreditation as an assessor. By volunteering I am giving back to both the award and the volunteering team I work with, so they know that I am also willing to give my unpaid time towards the award and give back, in the same way that they do for me every year.
What keeps you volunteering?
I enjoy it!
It’s lovely to see young people outside and off their phones, working in teams and really pulling together. They often start off not knowing each other that well but by the end are great friends and have become a real team, often with great humour and tales to tell of what they have seen and experienced on their expedition.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
Watching the young people’s confidence grow.
What difference has volunteering made to you? For example, making new friends or enhancing your skills.
It gives me a better understanding of what my volunteers are doing and shows the respect that I have for them giving up their personal time.
What would you say to someone who has never volunteered?
If you have a love of the outdoors and of young people, watching them thrive in the outdoor environment, it’s a great role for you.
In order to do this role you do need an assessor qualification, so it can take some time before you can get started.
Can you think of a good strapline to describe your volunteering?
Watching young people have fun in the outdoors and learning key life skills!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Young people have to volunteer as part of their award. It’s lovely that I can do that too and support them through this key section.
The award focuses on giving back to society, communities, charities and those in need, the volunteers and I give our time to support young people who are making a real difference as part of their award – it is the least we can do to support them on this one section.
If you are interested in this, or any other of our volunteer roles, you can find out more and apply here!