Visiting one of the Seven New Wonders of the World in Peru, working at a Crocodylus Park and playing the guitar in a band sounds like a dream for most people, but this is the reality for Curtis Werret who has just completed these activities as part of his Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. .jpg)
Migrating to Australia when he was eight from Wales, Curtis began his Award journey through school by starting off with his Bronze Award at 14 years of age, and at the time was the only one of his group to take on the challenge. He has recently completed Silver and is now moving onto his Gold, the highest Award level achievable.
“Although none of my friends were doing The Duke of Ed at the time, I wanted to give it a go as I’ve always been interested in trying new stuff and challenging myself, and it seemed perfect for that” said Curtis.
Curtis has used his Awards as a platform to try new things such as a working with big cats and monkeys for his volunteering at the local Crocodylus Park in Darwin, and developing his skills in playing the electric guitar where he has formed a band with four friends.
The key highlight during his Silver Award however, was his travel abroad for his Adventurous Journey to hike the Inca Trail in Peru and visit one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Piccu. But the trip was more than just about sightseeing; it was also about exposing him to a new culture and lifestyle.
“My trip to Peru was incredible and one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had... It was so different to Australia, with more cities than bush and extreme poverty...it was definitely a culture shock, but it made me more grateful for the opportunities we have back at home (Australia),” he said.
Curtis has since commenced his Gold Award where his eyes are set more within Australia than abroad, with plans to visit an Indigenous community in the Northern Territory as part of his Residential Project.
Curtis credits The Duke of Ed as making him a more confident and active person, which were qualities he would never have used to describe himself in the past.
“The Duke of Ed has so far been such a rewarding and fun experience which has given me great opportunities to try new things...I definitely wasn’t confident before The Duke of Ed.,” he said.
