Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is all about learning through exciting and challenging experiences. For many young people, the Adventurous Journey ends up being the most memorable and meaningful part of their Award. That’s why preparing well and having a successful journey is such an important part of the whole experience.
Before setting off, you’ll need to take part in some training and do practice journeys to build the skills and confidence needed to stay safe and be independent in your chosen environment.
When it’s time for your qualifying journey, your team should be made up of 4 to 7 people, all working together without help from others. Everyone in the team should be involved in planning the journey. While not everyone has to be doing the Award, they should all be around the same age and ready to work as equals, making group decisions and supporting each other along the way.
The journey can take place on land or water and should be powered by your own effort—like walking, cycling, paddling, or even using animals to help carry gear. You’ll stay in tents or basic, self-catering places where you cook and take care of yourself as a team.
Your team is encouraged to record your journey, take notes, snap photos or videos, write about your experiences, and keep track of what you’ve learned and discussed along the way. Capturing these moments not only helps you remember what happened but also makes it easier to reflect later.
When it’s time for your review and debrief, having these notes will help you and your team talk about the challenges you faced, what you achieved, and what you learned. It makes the reflection process more meaningful and helps you get the most out of the experience.
Recording your journey also gives you a chance to reflect as you go and creates something you can look back on in the future.
If you’re not sure what to do for your AJ, talk to your Award Leader, they’re there to help! They’ll also need to approve your journey through the Online Record Book, so make sure you keep them updated and reach out with any questions or concerns.
