This blog is from one of COBIS' Supporting Associates.

Written by Dawn Waugh, Founder of Junior Duke Award

Haileybury Almaty, Kazakhstan, has been running the Junior Duke Award with great success over the past few years, with participation growing steadily each year. This year, the school’s Lead Teacher, Benis George, together with her team, celebrated the achievements of pupils in a truly memorable way. They organised a special Junior Duke Camp for all of the children who had successfully completed their challenges.

The overnight camp marked a significant milestone as the very first Junior Duke Camp ever to take place.

In the weeks leading up to the event, pupils were eager to complete their remaining challenges. Through the programme, children developed a wide range of practical life skills including: cooking meals, shopping on a budget, planning trips, baking cakes, building fires, creating PowerPoint presentations, reading stories to younger children, babysitting, and even making tea and coffee for their parents.

Although the weather was less than ideal on the day of the camp, Ms Benis George, in collaboration with International Award trainers Sue and Alan Taylor, ensured that the event went ahead.

That Friday after school, the Junior Duke team set off on their first overnight adventure. From packing for camp and tackling navigation games to sharing stories and toasting marshmallows around the campfire, every activity provided an opportunity to learn, grow and build confidence.

When the rainy weather forced a change of plans, the young Dukers adapted brilliantly, pitching their tents indoors and proving that resilience and agility are as much a mindset as they are physical skills.

The children embraced the adventure wholeheartedly, with many sleeping in a tent for the very first time. Reflecting on the experience, Seth, a year 3 pupil said, “The best thing about this year was the overnight camp. It was great being away from home and out of the prying eyes of our parents!” Through teamwork, creativity and perseverance, the children demonstrated the true Junior Duke spirit, making the experience unforgettable.

The camp provided a fitting celebration of the determination, independence and resilience that the Junior Duke Award encourages. Reflecting on the impact of the experience, Ms Benis George stated, “Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they pitched their tents and later dismantled them in the morning was wonderful to see. Throughout the camp, the resilience, determination to succeed and independence that the Junior Duke Award challenges foster and nurture were on display at every turn. Watching the children support one another, adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges reinforced why this programme is so valuable. It is an experience that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy.”

Pupils and teachers alike had a fantastic time and are already looking forward to: next year’s challenges, the Junior Duke World Championships and another exciting camp adventure.

Congratulations to all the pupils and staff at Haileybury Almaty for pioneering this wonderful initiative and demonstrating the lasting impact of the Junior Duke.