The countryside is suddenly full of exhausted youngsters. Even my cheery sympathy can’t lift their spirits
Over the horizon they come, unmistakable even from miles away. About half a dozen of them in number, wearily they trudge, formless in shape. Individually as well as a group, they don’t walk in straight lines. Haphazard, forlorn, radiating uncertainty and reluctance, the DofE-ers approach.
The Duke of Edinburgh scheme is, no doubt, a good thing. Young people, generally of what we used to call sixth-form age, work towards bronze, silver and gold awards by completing tasks that help the community and environment. They also have to get fitter and develop new skills. And then there are the expeditions that they must undertake.
Adrian Chiles is a broadcaster, writer and Guardian columnist
