Winning one award was not enough for Cody Richards, 17, a Red Deer 18th Morrisroe Scout.

A month after first receiving the bronze level – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Richards has now been recognized with the silver level – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“I feel I’ve developed more as a whole because of completing this award,” said Richards.

The Honourable Donald S. Ethell, former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, presented the award.

Just as before with the bronze award, Richards had to complete four programs as part of the award: learn a new skill, volunteer, physical recreation and an adventurous journey.

Richards learned to play football for Hunting Hills High School, completing his new skill portion of the award.

Volunteer work was easy to come by for Richards as he assisted in running day camps and teaching younger scouts groups.

“I think giving back to the community is really important and I enjoy it.”

As part of his physical recreation requirement, Richards worked out with a personal trainer and also skied, hiked and mountain climbed his way to the silver award.

The adventurous journey was an exciting time, said Richards. First traveling to Rinkaby, Sweden for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree, which is an event where scouts from all over the world meet to help create a worldwide brotherhood.

From Sweden, Richards toured Europe with his family for an additional three weeks, making for an amazing six-week European trip.

Due to the fact that Richards already completed the bronze award, he only had to complete 30 hours of volunteer work, learn a new skill and engage in physical recreation over a period of six months as opposed to 45 hours over 12 months.

Richards’ leaders were Felix Gebbink and Bruce Schollie – both from the Red Deer 18th Morrisroe Venturer Company.

The Duke Award is currently operational in more than 130 countries around the world.

reporter@reddeerexpress.com