The ‘Adventure for the Nation’ scheme aims to encourage people to take on either a personal DofE Challenge or the DofE Adventure in 2017, after a new study revealed that more than a quarter of British adults never step outside their comfort zone.

The study, in which DofE polled 2,000 British adults, also revealed that 50 per cent of those who did try something outside their comfort zone reported a huge boost in personal confidence and better focus at work among other benefits.

People can take part in the initiative by either completing their own personal DofE Challenge (which can include anything from learning a new skill, to scaling the three peaks or completing a sky dive), or take part in the DofE Adventure – a pre-planned expedition through the Peak District this autumn with participants able to complete a one- or two-day experience.

The DofE’s CEO, Peter Westgarth, explained: “The response to last year’s Challenge was truly phenomenal, and we’re delighted to be able to offer the chance for more people to take on a challenge or adventure this year with the launch of our two new initiatives.
“Being able to push yourself past boundaries is an essential part of personal development and is something that the DofE instils in thousands of young people every year through the DofE Award. We want every person across the UK to love adventure and realise there is more in them than they think.”

The DofE is a charity fully supported by the Camping & Caravanning Club – last year Club President Julia Bradbury completed her own challenge by camping on top of London’s O2 Arena. She said: “The benefits of stepping outside your comfort zone shouldn’t be ignored and the DofE Challenge provides the perfect opportunity to really push yourself this year.”

2016 also saw the Club’s Director General Robert Louden MBE complete the DofE Diamond Challenge by walking all four of the highest UK peaks, while Camping & Caravanning Print Editor Stuart Kidman took on the Great North Swim as part of his own challenge.
To find out more or register for a challenge of your own, visit the DofE website.