'Telstar Explorer Scout Leaders were made proud when 23 Explorer Scouts ( 14 Bronze, 8 Silver and 1 Gold) received their 'Merite Jeunesse in Luxembourg (the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award)' on 20th April from Prince Guillaume. In total 200 young people received their award and Telstar was the largest visibly represented organisation. 

The 'DofE' award offers many life long benefits to young people. It's an holistic package – 'body, mind & soul'. It provides life long memories & binds friendships. 

If you're not aware there are many parts to the award: 3 levels – Bronze, Silver & Gold

Then within each level there's service, skill, physical, adventurous journey & at Gold a residential experience. These parts should be completed over various time frames, for example an hour a week for 6 months. When you consider that young people often have exams & other commitments, completing everything is challenging! These awards are not just handed out so that Telstar was so well represented is fantastic. Everyone involved does so voluntarily, from leaders to the young people themselves and these occasions remind us exactly why.'

mj 2016

This now gives Telstar a running total of  40 Bronze, 24 silver and 10 Gold Awards. BRAVO Explorers – we salute you and also your excellent leader team who facilitated this excellent achievement.