I'm in yr 12 and just completed the Duke of Ed award. The Second (qualifying) camp was much more challanging then the practice camp. They say you need a medium fitness level to do it, but i think you only need a medium fitness level to enjoy it. Most people could do it, struggle maybe, but they would be able to complete it.
Camping on rock was the worst part for me. I was numb abd cold all night, because i didn't take a sleeping bag (it wouldn't fit in my bag). instead i just wrapped a sheet around me. lol. take a sleeping bag!!
We saw a snake, that was pretty awesome. and had a pretty good fire going at night. the best and worse part of it all though, was finishing it. best, because you feel proud that you actually hiked kilometres after kilometres up and down rocky and glavelly mountains (well, that what it was for us anyway) and actually made it to the end alive, but at the same time the worst because you realise that you won't really get to spend time with all the DOE people together again.
You achieve the impossible, make loads of friends, encounter things you never thought you would . . . you'd be crazy not to go if given the chance.
Do it. you won't regret it.