Mr Darling leaves for Kenya today to attend the international Duke of Edinburgh leadership camp.
He is one of two New Zealanders selected to go.
"It's so much more than just getting a gold award," the 19-year-old University of Otago geology student said.
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award is a voluntary three-level programme which requires those participating to do a range of activities in five areas - service to the community, skills, adventurous journey, physical recreation and a residential project for those doing the gold level.
Mr Darling was awarded his gold award in 2009 but said the involvement did not stop there.
He had continued with his involvement in the Red Cross, the service part of his award, and was now leading the youth emergency preparedness programme in which he first participated.
"That's just happened because I signed up for this."
As a result, he spent a week in Christchurch after the major earthquake this year as part of a team helping to provide humanitarian assistance.
"It was an eye-opening experience. It was humbling to be up there."
Mr Darling will spend 16 days in Kenya taking part in adventure activities such as tramping and whitewater rafting, and other activities such as helping renovate a school.
He will then will take part in a forum involving 102 young people around the world.