Jack Karetai-Barrett has been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award for two years, an international programme designed to challenge young people and help them develop life skills.

“It’s all about outdoor adventures, like tramping, learning survival skills, doing physical activities, and volunteering,” said Jack, who is 15.

Bronze, silver and gold medals are awarded as youngsters develop and learn new skills.

“For the Bronze Award, the commitment is three months; for silver, it’s six months, and for gold, it’s a year.”

The Duke of Edinburgh Award originated in the UK and is now a global initiative. In New Zealand, it’s known as the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award, named after Sir Edmund Hillary, who was its patron.

Jack’s mum, Mawera Karetai, is an outdoor trainer for this award, and is registered with Outdoor Training New Zealand.

“The programme emphasises safety in the outdoors, particularly in the bush,” Ms Karetai said.

A new two-day training course is coming up, to be held at the Scout Den on James Street from Saturday, March 22 to Sunday, March 23.

“The first day is theory, which starts with learning how to navigate using a compass and a topographical map; basic bush safety, different types of cookers you would use in a bush, how to property load a pack, and even down to hut etiquette.”

On the second day, students will put what they have learned into practice with a bush hike.

“This is the first of three hikes they do. At the entry level, you have your theory days and then your second and third hikes, which are overnight.”

Jack completed the bronze and silver awards and will earn his Gold Award at the end of the month. This is a year-long commitment in three areas: community service, learning a new skill, and a physical activity.

To achieve this, Jack has undertaken a range of activities, from coaching and participating in mountain biking, to volunteering at Waste Zero, writing a regular column for The Beacon, leading a hike around Mt Ruapehu, improving his spoken Māori, doing a First Aid course and other endeavours in his bid to achieve gold.

Jack’s family is hosting a German international student, Frederik Dumat, who has done the entry level training course.

“I love it,” Federick said of the new skills he is learning, which includes helping Jack with mountain biking coaching as his voluntary service. Learning to cook and overnight camping trips have been highlights for this 15-year-old.

Mrs Karetai is eager to see more youngsters sign up for the Duke of Edinburgh Award training session, which is open to 14-year-olds, or anyone turning 14 this year.

Get in touch with Mawera Karetai to do the training session for the Duke of Edinburgh Award: [email protected]

This award is also offered by Whakatane High School and the contact person there is teacher Erin Nolan.