going for the silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in March by taking on their first overseas expedition in the Florida Everglades.

The group, who are in pursuit of achieving the highest and most recognised award which is the gold, will be leaving on March 20 for the Outward Bound camp in the Everglades.

They had a choice of doing kayaking, walking, or canoeing for their expedition and the group chose canoeing.

The cost per child for the trip is $1,100 plus three assistants brings the total to $23,000, therefore, the group is doing some heavy fundraising.

Shina Lyons, who is a parent of one of the kids and is involved with the fundraising, is asking that everyone come out to the car wash which is to be held on February 8 at the Esso City Station.

"While in the Everglades, the kids will have to canoe three to four hours a day for three days and they will camp out at Outward Bound School,'' Mrs.

Lyons said.

She added: "This is the only time that the kids have to do something all together, the rest of the time they will do their services and recreation on their own. It will take six months for them to get their silver.'' Mrs. Lyons also said the group will be having a flea market at Peace Lutheran Church and a dance where they will serve people and organise the music using their parents CDs.

"They have already raised some money from baby-sitting at the Rugby Classic and selling raffles.'' Mrs. Lyons also said the group will be doing a raffle for members and family.

In Bermuda, more than 250 young people take part in the Duke of Edinburgh programme which consists of activities that include volunteering at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, day care centres and homes for the elderly.

More than 100 youngsters received bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards last year -- the three signifying different levels of achievement.

Founded by the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1950's, the scheme now operates in 50 countries.

To achieve it, candidates must pursue sporting, community and other activities in their spare time as well as an expedition overseas. Expeditions are also undertaken both locally and abroad in Wales, Canada and Grenada.

The requirements for the silver award must be more strictly adhered to than for bronze, as it is a higher award.

Record keeping will be of particular importance, especially for the service section, and the expedition section cannot be completed unless a written journal of planning, training, preparations and details of the expedition is submitted.

The rules for the expedition state that the group must be canoeing for five hours per day for three days with two nights camping between.

All equipment, food etc. must be carried. Evidence must be shown of adequate training and preparation, with a log of expedition related activities to be submitted.

GOING FOR THEIR SILVER -- These 18 Mount St. Agnes students received their bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards last month and now they are on their way to obtaining the silver. Pictured from left to right are Kevin DaCosta, Katrina Carreiro, Gerry Renshaw (teacher), Lynsay Taylor, Jenny Faires, Stuart Chambers, Clifford Powell, Chris Lima, Kelly DeSilva, Tiffany Swainson, Chris Northrup, Kevin Mutch, Nathan Aguiar, Lord Waddington, Laura Lyons, Stacee stovell, James Botelho, Chrislyn Hall, and Anso Aguiar. Missing is Danielle Carswell.