Being 24 I have less than 1 year left to get my Queen Scout and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. I don't want to let the oppurtunity pass so I'm working towards getting them.

In order to get my Queen Scout Award I have to complete the following:

• 5 Challenges
• Nights Away
• Two activities from an international, environmental and values list

These also count toward my DofE meaning I should have time to achieve both. I have until my 25th birthday (August 5th 2013) to get these completed and submit my paperwork. I'll be sure to post updates as things progress.

5 Challenges

Skill

Take up a skill for 6 or 12* months, and show progress and lasting interest. The skill can be an existing interest or something entirely new.

I have always wanted to learn a number of languages, therefore I have decided my skill will be to learn Russian. I'm not sure how well I will do with it, I imagine it will be quite a challenge, but that's the whole point isn't it ;)

Physical activity

Take up a physical activity for 6 or 12* months, completing an agreed programme by taking part and achieving your objectives.

For my physical activity I aim to continue to train for the next Baker Hughes 10K. My target time is less than 1 hour, and my previous record was 1 hour 7 minutes.

Service

Provide service to an individual or the community for 12 months. Briefing and training should be given in order to gain the necessary skills. This may include helping with another section of the movement as an Explorer Scout Young Leader or adult volunteer.

Being a voluntary leader in both Beavers and Cubs I have already completed this challenge, and should have no problem providing some paperwork to say so.

Expedition

Undertake a 4-day and 3-night expedition in open or adventurous country by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy. The expedition should involve careful preparation, training, responsibility and review.

For the time being, I am unsure what my expedition will consist of. As soon as I have more information I will post an update.

Residential

Undertake a 5-day and 4-night residential project in an unfamiliar environment with people who are not known to you. This project could be environmental work, activity-based, service to others or personal training.

I haven't yet chosen a project for my residential, but I am thinking something based with the RSPB could be a good option.

Nights Away

International, environmental and values list

I must complete one item from at least two of these lists. I'm not 100% sure which two I am going to choose yet, but will post and update when I have a firm decision.To complete the Nights Away component I have to have camped for 18 nights in total with the Scout association; I'm currently up to 9 nights already.