The Starfish Way

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...

“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. 

Robin Illsley and Eddie the Lab Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Perth & Kinross Association.

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.” 

Robin Illsley (Chair) 

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The Perth and Kinross Duke of Edinburgh's Award Association SCIO is a Scottish Charity, SC051572​, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).