Learning New Skills, Maggie’s Award Story

Starting the Award 

“After more canceled events and limited opportunities under COVID-19, I was excited to begin the Bronze Level of the Award. Since then, I have learned and improved  skills such as playing the violin, long-distance running, and harvesting produce. I also went on an exciting Adventurous Journey, exploring Goldstream Provincial Park, and studying the wildlife. 

Skill –  

 I decided to improve my skills in playing the violin. While I had been playing beforehand, this additional focus allowed me to practice specific skills. I worked a lot on vibrato, and after the Award, I was able to start incorporating that into my pieces more easily.  

Physical Recreation  

 I trained to run the Turkey Trot, an annual 10k race that takes place on Thanksgiving weekend. After lots of training throughout the summer, I ran the race and loved it! The race was full of serious runners who were all dressed in the spirit of thanksgiving – I was passed by a person wearing a turkey tutu and another wearing a turkey hat! I followed up with the Sun Run this year and am so thankful that the Award pushed me to develop a love of running. 

Service  

I volunteered throughout the summer at a local farm, a place that I loved when I was younger. As part of this, I learned new skills like how to harvest different fruits and vegetables, and how to prepare them for the farmer’s market. My favourite moments of this volunteering experience were harvesting potatoes (a very muddy business!), meeting lots of new people, and learning about wacky new vegetables I didn’t know existed!  

Adventurous Journey  

My group camped and hiked at Goldstream Provincial Park. We explored some of the old mining tunnels which were cool and a bit spooky! We also found lots of interesting things while wading in Goldstream River. First, we found a shovel, then part of a tea cup, and strangest of all: a lobster pincer! That trip was also educational; I learned a lot about the yearly salmon run, and the old growth trees in the park. Overall, it was a  trip, and I would recommend exploring the park! 

Why You Should Join the Award 

I think that joining the Award helps participants learn about the world around them and themselves through it. This experience has pushed me to run my first 10k and has developed my love of running. Through volunteering, I met people of different ages who shared great advice and stories. Having this focus and motivation has been especially helpful during the pandemic when so many things were cancelled. I’m looking forward to starting the Silver Level Duke of Edinburgh Award and setting new goals!” 

• Maggie, Bronze Award Achiever  

Thank you to Maggie for sharing your story, we hope it inspires you to Join the Award, Volunteer with the Award, or Become an Award Centre.  

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