AJ Planning: Tips for a Successful Journey

The Adventurous Journey (AJ) is where participants put teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance into action. It’s the part of the Award that brings young people together to plan, prepare, and achieve a shared goal, building confidence, connection, and resilience along the way. With your guidance as an Award Leader, the AJ becomes more than an expedition; it’s a meaningful experience that helps participants discover what they can accomplish when they work together. 

Why AJ Matters 

The AJ is more than just an activity or trip; it’s a team experience that challenges participants to plan, problem-solve and succeed together. It’s where young people step outside their comfort zones, explore new environments, and work together to reach a shared goal. Along the way, they build resilience, leadership, and real-world problem-solving skills that will last well beyond the journey itself.  

Whether it’s an urban exploration, cycling trip, or wilderness trek, every AJ is a chance for young people to discover something new, about themselves, their peers and the world around them. 

This journey is designed to foster initiative, communication, and perseverance, core values of the Award Canada Way. It’s about purposeful engagement, progressive development, and giving youth ownership of their experience as they learn what it means to work and grow as a team. 

Inspiring Inclusion: Jane’s Story
Take Jane, a youth with Down Syndrome who faced ongoing health challenges and a major setback after a car accident. With support from her Award Leader and accommodations through her school’s Award Centre, Jane was able to join her peers for her very first overnight camp, an experience she’d always dreamed of but never thought possible. She participated alongside her classmates, planning, sharing responsibilities, and celebrating achievements together. The experience gave Jane confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Her story shows how, with thoughtful planning and teamwork, every young person can discover accomplishment and connection through the Adventurous Journey. 

Planning for Success: Your Role & the AJ Planning Guide 

The AJ Planning Guide, found in the AJ Navigator, is your go-to resource to help you and your team make every journey safe, meaningful, and fun. It supports everyone involved; participants, Award Leaders, and volunteers, to plan with intention and confidence.  

Use it to: 

• Set clear, achievable goals (think SMART!) that inspire purposeful engagement and progressive development. 
• Plan routes and activities that fit the season like scenic fall trails or city heritage walks, embracing creativity and youth-led choices. 
• Prepare for challenges with risk assessments, gear lists, and emergency plans, ensuring everyone is trained and ready for the conditions. 
• Make sure everyone is involved, reflecting the Award’s youth-centric approach and fostering teamwork and leadership. 

The guide encourages alternative AJ opportunities: cycling trips and environmental studies to urban explorations, or virtual journeys designed for accessibility. Many schools connect their AJ to curriculum areas like geography fieldwork or history projects making the experience even more relevant. 

Everyone has a role to play in planning success.  Award Leaders help review and approve plans, ensuring they meet the 10 AJ Requirements, while participants take the lead in shaping their experience. Together, you can explore the AJ Navigator’s Library of Examples for ideas or connect with Registered Activity Providers to bring your plans to life.  

Using the AJ  Planning Guide helps every team reflect the best of the Award Canada Way, encouraging growth, creativity, and youth-driven adventure that participants will remember long after their journey ends.. 

Seasonal Planning Tips 

Every Adventurous Journey is unique, shaped by your team, your goals, and your environment. Thoughtful planning helps ensure the experience is safe, engaging, and memorable for everyone involved. 

1. Plan with Purpose 

• Choose routes or activities that match your team’s interests, skills and abilities. 
• Set clear, realistic timelines for travel, rest and reflection. 
• Think ahead about environmental factors like weather, terrain and daylight hours.   

2. Prioritize Safety 

• • Conduct a thorough risk assessment and ensure all team members are prepared for the conditions. 
  • Use the AJ Navigator for templates, gear lists, and safety guidelines to keep your planning on track.
  • Ensure all participants understand emergency procedures and have the training and equipment they need

3. Work as a Team 

• • Assign shared responsibilities, from navigation to cooking to site setup. 
  • Encourage open communication and decision-making that includes every team member. 
  • Reflect together after each stage to identify what worked well and what could improve. 

Final Thoughts 

The Adventurous Journey is a shared challenge and a shared success. With good planning, clear communication, and the support of your team and Award Leader, every AJ can be a highlight of the Award experience.  

Ready to get started? Open the AJ Planning Guide, gather your team, and start shaping your next adventure! 

Explore more resources on the AJ Navigator

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