Building Teamwork and Connection Through the Award

When we think about the skills that matter most for young people today, teamwork and connection rise to the top. Whether in school, in future workplaces, or in their communities, the ability to collaborate, empathize, and build strong relationships is fundamental. The Award provides young people with opportunities to grow these skills through shared experiences, guided by the Award Canada Way.

Why Teamwork Matters for Youth

Teamwork is more than a “soft skill”, it’s a foundation for confidence, belonging, and resilience. Research from the Canadian Education Association shows that students who feel connected to peers and adults at school are not only more engaged academically, but also more likely to develop positive mental health and leadership skills. For many Award participants, doing the Award alongside peers turns individual goals into shared growth.

As one Bronze participant shared, “I thought the Award was about setting goals for myself. What surprised me most was how much I learned from my friends, we encouraged each other, shared ideas, and it made the whole experience more meaningful.”

Cohort Delivery Builds Connection

While the Award can be pursued individually, delivering it within a cohort brings unique benefits:

For participants: Cohorts create a built-in community where peers support one another, share ideas for activities, and celebrate achievements together.
For Award Leaders: Managing a group of participants is often more practical than tracking individuals separately. Shared check-ins, reflections, and activities reduce workload while increasing engagement.
For completion rates: Youth are more likely to finish their Award when surrounded by peers who hold each other accountable and motivated.

This approach directly supports the Award Canada Way by centering youth, building purposeful engagement, and ensuring reflection happens not in isolation but in community.

Peer-to-Peer Mentorship

Delivering the Award as a group opens space for natural mentorship. Younger participants look to older peers for inspiration, while older youth step into leadership roles by offering guidance and encouragement. Silver and Gold participants who have already completed Bronze are especially well-positioned to share their experience, helping new participants set goals, reflect on progress, and stay motivated.

This peer-to-peer exchange deepens learning, builds leadership capacity, and reinforces the Award’s commitment to progressive development. In practice, this means that when youth hear from each other about how they chose their Service, Skill, or Physical Recreation activities, it sparks ideas and reduces barriers to participation. Sharing challenges and solutions also makes the experience more accessible and inclusive.

Connection Beyond the Award

The impact of teamwork and connection doesn’t end when the Award is complete. Youth carry forward the friendships, confidence, and collaborative skills into school, work, and life. Delivering the Award through a cohort strengthens ties between peers, educators, and communities, fostering the sense of belonging that is vital for positive youth development.

By embedding teamwork and connection into every stage of the Award, we ensure that young people aren’t just meeting requirements, they’re building life skills that last.

Closing Thought

At its heart, the Award is about more than individual achievement. It’s about discovering potential through connection, with peers, with mentors, and with the community. The Award Canada Way ensures that every participant’s experience is not only personal, but also shared, reflective, and transformative.

As we celebrate Award Awareness Week, let’s recognize the power of teamwork and connection in helping youth thrive, together.

Deliver the Award today