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Expeditions will be a more comfortable affair in future for local youngsters taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
ABN AMRO has donated ten new rucksacks to The Grammar School and Sixth Form Centre, where around 35 students a year embark on the scheme to achieve a bronze, silver or gold award.
Yvonne Berger, the school’s DofE coordinator, said their existing rucksacks were old and worn out.
"We use them time and time again on expedition, literally until they fall apart. This year we have had around 70 applications, which is more than ever, and without the generosity of ABN AMRO I could not have accommodated so many students. Their contribution has been essential," she said.
Graham Thoume, managing director of ABN AMRO, said: "At ABN AMRO we recognise and value the skills these youngsters learn whilst doing Duke of Edinburgh. Things like leadership and the ability to work well in a team are essential in all areas of life, but particularly in the workplace. These students work extremely hard to get their awards and we are very pleased to be able to make that journey a little more comfortable for them."
To achieve a bronze or silver award, students must complete four disciplines – volunteering, skills, physical and expedition; for gold there is the additional category of "residential".
"This year some students helped out at the Sark Folk Festival. It’s all about working with others and in particular people they don’t know," added Miss Berger.
Sixth former Alex Robinson has completed bronze and silver and is on his way to achieving gold.
He was thrilled with the new rucksacks, which he helped to choose. Once he had started his bronze award, Mr Robinson said he became hooked.
"I mainly started it to develop my skills in teamwork and leadership. But I really enjoyed doing the expedition side of it and decided I had to carry on and do silver and gold."
