At Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge, we love creating opportunities for young people to develop new skills, build confidence, and gain valuable real-world experience. Whether through work experience placements, school leadership programs, or the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, we are passionate about helping students learn and grow in a supportive outdoor environment.
We’ve been proud to support a number of participants in recent years completing the Residential Project component of their Duke of Ed Gold Award, giving them the chance to contribute to camp life whilst developing leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
Recently, Lili joined our Winter Camp team as a Junior Camp Counsellor as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
My name is Lili, and I recently completed the Residential Project section of my Duke of Edinburgh Award as a Junior Camp Counsellor on Winter Camp.
Being part of the camp leadership team was an incredibly rewarding experience. What I loved most was seeing the campers’ step outside their comfort zones, make new friends, and gain confidence throughout the week. It was amazing to watch them challenge themselves and support one another, and I felt privileged to be part of that journey.
One of the biggest challenges was balancing my responsibilities while making sure every camper felt included and supported. As a leader, I learned the importance of being adaptable, staying positive, and communicating effectively, especially when plans changed or challenges arose.
Throughout the week, I learned a lot about myself and others. I discovered that I am capable of taking on more responsibility than I initially thought, and I developed greater confidence in my leadership abilities. I also learned how important teamwork is and how much can be achieved when people work together toward a common goal.
My highlight from the week was seeing the excitement and sense of achievement on the campers’ faces as they completed activities and created lasting memories with their peers. Knowing that I helped contribute to such a positive experience was incredibly meaningful and is something I will always remember.
Overall, Winter Camp was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow as a leader and as a person. I’m grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who made the week so enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing your camp experience with us Lili! We loved having you onboard!
