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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Young Canadians Challenge is an exciting self-development Programme available to all young people, equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and their country.

The Award is flexible and can be done by anyone aged 14-25 in their own time: mental or physical ability or social circumstances should never be a barrier. Moreover, the individual chooses what activities to do depending on his/her interests and resources. If you are over 25 then do not despair! You too can get involved by becoming an Award leader - the backbone of the Award Programme and the key to its success.

There are three levels of the Award in which you can participate - Bronze, Silver and Gold, with each successive level demanding increased commitment.

  • BRONZE-for those over 14. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 6 months;
  • SILVER-for those over 15. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 12 months (or 6 months if you have completed Bronze);
  • GOLD-for those over 16. The minimum period of participation to gain this Award is 18 months (or 12 months if you have completed Silver).
You do not have to start at the Bronze level. If you are over 15 you can join directly at the Silver level or if you are over 16, directly at Gold.

THE SECTIONS OF THE AWARD

To gain an Award, all four Sections (plus an additional requirement of a Residential Project at Gold level only) must be tackled for the specified minimum period of time. The Sections are:

1. SERVICE

To encourage a sense of responsibility to the community through:
  • community service projects
  • conservation work
  • voluntary service in hospitals or community homes or
  • more specialised training such as lifesaving, first aid or rescue services
The emphasis of this Section is the regular giving of a service.

2. ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY (Expedition, Exploration or Adventurous Project)

An enjoyable experience designed to cultivate a spirit of adventure and discovery; an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working together in a team with a common purpose.

The Expedition may be by foot, bicycle, boat or horseback, or alternatively it may be an equally challenging adventurous journey. Proper training and preparation, self sufficiency, self-reliance and the exploration of new surroundings are the key elements.

If you are feeling particularly adventurous then the Adventurous Journey section could be fulfilled overseas, perhaps on an organized exchange with an Award group from another country.

3. SKILLS

To encourage the development of personal interests and learn practical skills

There are over 200 hobby and vocational Skills from which you can choose, such as Photography, Cacti Growing, Magazine Production, Music, and Metal Work.

4. PHYSICAL RECREATION

To encourage improved performance and physical fitness

Participants are required to take part in some form of organized physical recreation and show individual progress. Most team and individual sports are included, such as football, athletics, archery, swimming and canoeing. The list is endless, depending on what appeals to you.

5. RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

(for Gold level only). Intended to broaden your experience through living and working with others (who are not your everyday companions) over a period of five consecutive days.

Note: This is a Gold level requirement, but it is the only section which can be done any time after you register in the Programme. Ie. whether you are working on bronze, silver or gold. 		Michael Gray