Discovery Award

» Opportunities for Service » Discovery Award

Many young people in Arbroath take part each year in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, and enjoy a variety of challenges and opportunities for service. But why should the young people have all the fun? : For those of more mature years who would like an interesting and rewarding challenge, there is the Discovery Award.

This is a non-competitive award scheme open to everyone over 50, regardless of state of health or level of physical ability. At present the oldest participant is well over 80 years, so age really is no barrier. It's a programme of activity and self-development that was developed by a small group in Dundee in 1987 and has since spread across the UK. It's non-competitive, flexible and achievable. Progress is at your own pace and within your capabilities. You set your own goals and then reap the reward of your achievement.

There are three levels, like the Duke of Edinburgh scheme - Bronze, Silver and Gold - and at each level there are four sections:

1. Service in the community: gives you a chance to give back a little of what you have learned and experienced in the first 50 years of your life
2. Hobby or interest: a chance to take up a new pastime or to develop an existing one
3. Recreational pursuit: some physical activity to the extent that your own physical ability and health allows; this could be indoors or outdoors, the choice is yours.
4. Journey of discovery: this may be a physical or an "armchair" journey; it could be in your local neighbourhood or take you around the world. Whatever you decide to do, you keep a record of the preparation for your journey as well as what you did on the journey itself.

You select your own activity in each section, with the guidance of an experienced Discoverer. You follow the activity according to an agree timescale, which increases at each new level. You keep a record of your activity in each section and then give the record book to an agreed assessor. When you successfully complete your programme, you are awarded a certificate and badge

There is a new Discovery Award Group in Arbroath, enabling local participants to meet together as they undertake their challenges and give encouragement and support to each other. If you would like to find out more about the Discovery Award, contact Fiona Robb, who is the community outreach worker at Old and Abbey Church; the phone number is 877-068.