Growing Together: How the Award Transforms Young Lives Across Canada

On her birthday, one participant slipped into the pool for the first time in six years. With accessible facilities finally available, she could rejoin her peers in the water. Overcome with joy, she cried—not just because she was swimming again, but because she felt free, included, and connected. 

Moments like these show us what growth truly means for young people today. It’s not about grades, trophies, or certificates. It’s about stepping outside comfort zones, discovering new strengths, and finding a community that believes in you. Across Canada, thousands of young people are experiencing this transformation through the Award. 

The Power of Shared Experience 

Many participants begin the Award expecting a solo challenge. What they often discover is a community. 

“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.”
— Sarah, Bronze Award Holder

Delivering the Award in cohorts is at the heart of the Award Canada Way. It’s where peer-to-peer mentorship, accountability, and emotional support come alive. Participants don’t just work toward their goals in isolation, they cheer each other on, reflect together, and build lasting friendships. That sense of belonging turns the Award into something bigger than personal achievement: a shared journey of growth. 

Breakthrough Moments 

Some of the most powerful Award memories come from the unexpected. For one participant, the highlight was returning to the water after years away. For others, it was discovering a new skill or finding confidence they didn’t know they had. 

As Award Leader Raelene Butt recalls: 

“Two of our participants in wheelchairs hadn’t been swimming in years. The day we went, coincidentally, was her birthday. She was so excited to be in the water that she cried.” 

These aren’t just milestones. They’re deeply personal breakthroughs that show how the Award opens doors to new experiences, new possibilities, and new ways of seeing themselves. 

Service, Skills, and Growth 

Across the country, Award participants have contributed thousands of hours to their communities by supporting local events, fundraising for causes, helping neighbors, and volunteering in ways that reflect their passions. 

The impact is twofold: communities benefit, and participants grow in confidence, empathy, and leadership. 

“I’ve enjoyed completing this level. I think this should be included in every institution because it helped me open up my horizons and be engaged in my community. Not only did I get to connect with people by giving back to my community, but I got to learn how to play an instrument, and I even developed my athletic skills! I’m excited to start my next level.”
— Chantal, Bronze Award Holder 

Learning Through Action 

For many participants, the Award is experienced through action—both inside and outside the classroom. From outdoor adventures to rebuilding community spaces, participants weave their goals into everyday life in ways that are hands-on, challenging, and rewarding. 

“Completing the Duke of Ed Award has helped me to step beyond my comfort zone. By completing certain hours of all these different skills, including French, badminton, and tutoring, I have developed new skills and learned the importance of dedication. The kayak camp, though quite challenging for me, has taught me the importance of perseverance and pushed me to pursue some new experiences that I wouldn’t otherwise try.”
— Yuxuan, Silver Award Holder 

From exploring new hobbies to rebuilding community spaces, participants demonstrate that the most meaningful learning happens through doing. 

In Their Own Words: Reflections from Award Holders 

“This was a very well-rounded and enlightening experience for my Grade 9 and 10 years! It really pushed me to my limits through exploring different aspects and activities I could pursue consistently throughout the year. I learned many new things about myself through this, and it was incredibly valuable.”
— Alyssa, Bronze Award Holder 

“Through my involvement in these three long-term activities, I have developed essential qualities such as perseverance, responsibility, and effective communication. Navigating challenges has strengthened my character and taught me valuable lessons.”
— Fanxi, Silver Award Holder 

What Does It All Mean? 

These reflections show that the Award is not just a certificate, it’s a journey of discovery. It’s about friendships formed, skills gained, and confidence built. It’s about young people finding out what they’re capable of, together. 

As we celebrate their accomplishments, we recognize not only what they’ve achieved so far, but who they are becoming through every challenge, connection, and breakthrough along the way. 

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