The Starfish Way
“You do not need to be helping everyone all of the time, even if helping only a small number you are still making a difference.”
– adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley (1907-1977)
The Story
Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions...
Our Vision by Robin Illsley
(Chair)
“We all face barriers in life. Each and every one of us. It’s just that some of us don’t talk about them. Adults included. So I’m going to.
When I was growing up I was shy and lacked confidence. I worried about stuff and not being good enough. I felt useless at Maths and thought other people were better than me at a lot of things. But looking back, I think I did ok. I know I’ve made mistakes but the important bit is to learn from them. I wish I could say “doing ok” was all down to my determination … it certainly played a big part, but what helped me enormously was the belief that people had in me and the encouragement I was given throughout my life.
We want to do the same for the young people we work with. We want to help you overcome whatever barriers you face. We want you to feel happy and confident in the abilities you undoubtedly have. We want to help you feel achievement, experience being part of a team of caring people who care about each other, complete a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and give yourself the belief to move on and achieve your dreams.
My parents were a constant source of encouragement but so were some of the people I have met or worked with. Some are friends, some colleagues, but some have been people that I’ve known for a very short time. But they all had one thing in common. They believed in me and through their belief encouraged me onwards with their words and actions.
We can do this with you through the Starfish Way. This is a programme of fun and exciting activities designed for you by our staff team. Many of the activities take place in the grounds of Megginch Castle. An amazing place that only we have access to. Your very own castle estate where you can be safe and learn new skills. We even have our own shelter with a firepit where we sit, eat, talk and chill.
Other experiences may take place at the beach, on a walk in the countryside, in a forest, at home or even at our Offices. You will get to choose from a huge variety of activities where you need no prior experience – archery, golf, ice skating, cookery, coastal exploration, bushcraft, building shelters, firemaking, craft skills …. The list can go on a long way!
I do hope you want to be a part of this. It will be fun and you will make some great friends. And it will help you in life. We look forward to meeting you.”
About The Starfish Way
Since it was formed in 1991, the Perth and Kinross Association of the Duke of
Edinburgh’s Award (PKDofE for short) has been helping young people (aged 14-25)
to build confidence and the skills needed to succeed in life.
From humble beginnings offering resource assistance to groups and individuals
undertaking the world renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award across the region, the
Association has grown in both remit and reach whilst also discovering a specific
calling.
Over the past decade the efforts of the Association have broadened from the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – the cornerstone of our programmes – to also
supporting achievement across First Aid certification, local authority achievement
standards, the Saltire Award, National Navigation Award and the John Muir
Award. A year prior to becoming the new patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award, Prince Edward made a promise in memory of his father. He said that the
award scheme Prince Phillip had founded should always be there to support young
people with difficulties who face growing up in a modern and complicated world. We are committed to helping fulfil that promise, one young person at a time.
In 2018 the Association recognised an acute needs gap for bespoke, close support
services and turned its attention to nurturing the development of young people
with additional support needs. Our unique and dedicated programme The Starfish
Way was born.
The Awards we offer in the Starfish Way
Hear from current & previous participants
Enroll now
To find out more about the Starfish Way or to join the next program, contact us by filling in the form on the right, email us directly on admin@pkdofe.com or phone us on 07796 600482.
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