Answering the Call to Adventure

Tihmily Li, Communications Officer
Many Greenwood students take on the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (colloquially called Duke of Ed by many). This global program offers youth ages 14 to 24 recognition for their efforts to learn and expand themselves beyond the classroom. It was first conceived in 1956 by Prince Philip, then the Duke of Edinburgh, along with Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound, and Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful expedition to summit Mount Everest. Since the program’s implementation in Canada in 1963, the Award has motivated countless young people to challenge themselves. 

Participating students track their participation and activity each week in the three categories of community service, skills and physical recreation. There are Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, each requiring a longer commitement in tracking these commitments which range could range from 26 weeks to 52 weeks. 

Students must also complete an adventurous journey at each level. Kylie Armstrong ‘25 used her seven-day canoe trip down the French River with her camping group to finish up her adventurous journey at the Silver level. The Gold level requires working and living in a different setting to complete a community-based project. 

On April 25, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebrated its 60th anniversary with a youth summit. Both the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince Edward, attended. Kylie Armstrong ‘25 and Carson Blackwell ‘24 were also chosen to attend the summit on behalf of Greenwood. Both students are eager to get started on achieving their Gold level.

“I’m excited to work with a community in New Zealand next March Break,” says Kylie of her upcoming community-based project. “If you’re already involved, it’s great to track it and get recognition for it. If you’re not as involved, this program can motivate you to take on different challenges.”

“Use this as an opportunity to get to know new people and try new things,” adds Carson Blackwell ‘24. “With this program, you really get what you put in.”

Here are all of this term’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award recipients:

Bronze level recipients
  • Nathalie Borlase ‘24
  • Alexa Fiorelli ‘25
  • Kennedy Gilchrist ‘25
  • Bronwyn Kane ‘25
  • Ainsley Parker '25
  • Victoria Shaw ‘23
  • Max von Boetticher ‘23

Silver level recipients
  • Kylie Armstrong ‘25
  • Carson Blackwell ‘24
  • Amy Maisel ‘23
  • Tavish Wilkin ‘24
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