Cameron McEleney (2535 Livingston Squadron Air Training Corps)
"If you're even thinking about applying for the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award, then don't be shy, come forward, go for it. It is hands down the best thing that you could do - a unique and utterly amazing opportunity.
“CVQO is like no other organisation connected to youth groups. It does so much and asks for so little in return. Who else would give you an award like the ILM Level 3 qualification simply for being chosen for a selection event, or offer the chance of a trip to South Africa for free? The answer: probably no-one.
"CVQO changed my life and my outlook on the world, why not give it a go and let it change yours?"
"Don't worry if you think you haven't done enough to compete with others, or know what it's like to compete on a national scale. Just have a go. Try it. I did and it can change your life. CVQO changed my life and my outlook on the world, why not give it a go and let it change yours?"
Gareth Hampton (Dundonald Sea cadets)
"By far the best part of the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award is the people you meet. We started out a group of strangers with very little in common but by the end of a few days in Somerset at the selection event I felt I belonged to a close-knit family who helped each other reach personal ambitions and moved each other out of their comfort zone.
"The CVQO Duke of Westminster Award was a life-changing process. it's not always easy and it will test you, but the rewards will stay with you for a lifetime."
"To me this was a truly amazing experience. The people I met in South Africa and the young people from the UK that traveled with me inspired me and many of them are still in regular contact - in fact only recently I met up with Morgan Hina (fellow 2016 finalist) and we talked about the amazing experience we both had together.
"The CVQO Duke of Westminster Award was a life-changing process. It's not always easy and it will test you, but the rewards will stay with you for a lifetime."
Melissa Tap (Dorset Army Cadet Force)
“My experience of the CVQO Duke of Westminster Award was amazing. I was nominated around November 2015 and thought that I would try my hardest but didn't expect to get very far. I managed to get to the selection event in April and met a group of amazing people who I became close to very quickly.
“Three weeks after selection I found out that I had reached the top 10 and had won lunch at the House of Lords and a once in a lifetime trip to South Africa. The lunch at the House of Lords was by far the best food I have ever eaten and we even got to visit 10 Downing Street. I spent time with the other finalists before we embarked on the trip to South Africa in July.
Every second of the trip was filled with adventure and laughter and I wish I could go back and live it all again.
“South Africa is such a beautiful place and we were told by our guide Devin that if we hadn't fallen in love with the country by the end of the trip then we hadn't paid attention. Every second of the trip was filled with adventure and laughter and I wish I could go back and live it all again.
“The other finalists became a little family to me and the trip taught me lots. I have truly fallen in love with South Africa and will forever be grateful to CVQO for giving me the opportunity to go.”
#DoW2017
