Did you miss the chance to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award when you were at school? Or are your children or nieces and nephews doing it now? Well this year, the challenge is open to everyone. It’s not too late to paraglide off a mountain or learn karate! This year, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) celebrates its 60th Anniversary, and they’re calling on people of all ages to take on the DofE Diamond Challenge. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to complete a challenge from one of three categories: Adventure, Skill or Personal. Here at Lifeventure HQ we’ve been considering the possibilities. Ideas bouncing around the office include doing a bungee jump, climbing the Three Peaks (Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours), walking Hadrian’s Wall and even learning to knit! The DofE Diamond Challenge can be tackled as a group. If you and your friends are looking for an adventure why not walk The Pennine Way together? Or pledge to all run, walk, cycle or swim the combined equivalent of The Great Wall of China! Adventurer Ray Mears is a supporter. He said: ‘’I’ve been setting myself challenges throughout my life, from camping under the stars in the North Downs when I was a kid to exploring the Canadian wilderness earlier this year. My challenges have shaped who I am today. “The DofE Diamond Challenge is a fantastic idea to get people pushing their personal boundaries, whilst raising money for a phenomenal cause. I urge everyone to get involved – you’ll grow as a person, gain an amazing experience and come out the other side with the confidence to take on the world!” We’re happy to say that DofE has approved a number of Lifeventure products and they are on the DofE Recommended Kit List for expeditions. Our kit is totally reliable, practical, lightweight and robust. We have everything you need to make your adventure fun, safe and comfortable, whether it’s a family expedition in the Breacon Beacons, or a night camping out solo under the stars. Our Compact Microfibre Travel Towels have been endorsed by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. These travel towels are ultra-compact, highly absorbent and wickable. Each towel is treated with an antibacterial formula which prevents the build-up of bacteria so your towel stays cleaner for longer. They can also dry out in their special stuff sack on the move. Lifeventure’s Stainless Steel Water Bottles have also been tested and approved by the DofE. They are made from high grade stainless steel and can withstand a battering! The durable and colourful matt finish and tough plastic screw-on lid are totally reliable and watertight. Top tip: These are currently reduced from £9.99 to £5! Our Ultralight DriStore Bags are also part of the DofE Recommended Kit List. Roll the top over four times and they are guaranteed to be waterproof – ideal as a rucksack liner or for watersports. The seams are fully taped and the tough Cordura fabric is incredibly light and flexible. Our sister brand Lifesystems caters for the rugged end of the adventure scale, with first aid kits, survival bags, safety whistles and light sticks amongst the awesome equipment available. So, now’s the time to seize the day and help transform the lives of young people by raising your game, and raising funds at the same time! To take part, Challengers choose an adventure, skill or personal challenge, pay £20 to register and then receive their exclusive Challenger Kit in the post. Challengers have until 31 December 2016 to complete their challenge and raise a minimum of £60 for the DofE. Once completed, Challengers receive a limited edition DofE Diamond Challenge pin and certificate, along with an incredible sense of achievement for supporting young people in their area. Find your challenge at www.DofEDiamondChallenge.org and let us know how you get on @LifeventureUK (Twitter and Instagram) or on our Facebook page.
