Open Gold Centre

 

The Open Gold Centre is staffed by employees of Neath Port Talbot and a remarkable team of volunteers, many of whom have been through the scheme themselves.  All of our staff are highly experienced, hold the necessary qualifications and are totally committed to the Award scheme.  The training programme for the Gold award runs from the Autumn through to the following summer when we complete the final expedition...

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Neath Port Talbot’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holds a licence issued by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) following an inspection of our safety management arrangements. AALA is a part of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Our licence covers: Hill Walking and Mountaineering

 

The training for the Gold Award consists of day walks and practice expeditions in the Brecon Beacons, tied in with indoor evening sessions.

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The final expedition is the pinnacle of many young people’s achievements to date. It is an incredibly challenging, but equally rewarding experience.

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But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some past participants in the Gold Award have said about their experiences:

 

`After finishing the expedition I believe I can do anything.  I have learnt that anything is possible if you try hard enough and I have learnt that if you work as a team you can get through anything, it is the best thing I have ever done by far!’

 

`The training walks were great fun.  I had a really good laugh and saw some really beautiful views.’

 

`The expedition was the hardest thing I have ever done.  We all worked so well as a team and got each other through it.  It was an amazing experience and I will never forget it.’

 

`I loved the day walks, it was a great feeling being miles from anywhere with a group of friends.’

 

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