Make This Summer Count: Your Award, Your Adventure

July 10, 2025

Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to dive into your Award activities! Whether you’re just getting started or well underway, the warmer months offer a golden opportunity to explore and grow. With school out and longer days ahead, there’s no better time to focus on your Award! 

Why Keep Going This Summer? 

Summer is more than just a break; it’s a chance to build momentum. Here’s why you should keep working on your Award: 

  • More Free Time: Without school commitments, you can dedicate more time to your activities. 
  • Great Weather: Ideal for outdoor adventures, hikes, and physical activities. 
  • Skill Building: Use the summer to learn something new or improve a current skill. 
  • Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your Award group and make memories together. 
  • Feel Accomplished: Progressing through your Award gives you a sense of achievement and purpose, even during the holidays. 

Your Summer, Your Award: Tips to Get Started 

1. Explore the Activity Zone
The Activity Zone is your go-to hub for Award inspiration. It’s full of ideas, tips, and guidance for every section of the Award. Whether you’re a participant, parent, or Award Leader, you’ll find everything you need to make this summer count. 

2. Need help funding your Award activities?
The Changing Lives Activity Grant can provide up to $750 to support your journey—whether you’re learning a new skill, volunteering, or planning an epic AJ. If cost is a barrier, this grant could be your ticket to making it happen. 

Want to explore more funding options? Visit the Opportunities and Grants page for full details. 

3. Complete Your Adventurous Journey
Summer is a great time to complete your Adventurous Journey—whether you’re hiking local trails, paddling across lakes, or exploring your city’s hidden gems. From backcountry treks to urban food tours or museum hops, your AJ can be as unique as you are. Here’s how to get ready: 

  • Work as a team: Find something you’re all interested in and build a plan together – whether you’re filming a vlog or navigating a trail, communication and teamwork are key. 
  • Build your skills: Practice navigation, first aid, and group coordination—on trails or in transit. 
  • Pack smart: Bring what you need for your setting—appropriate clothes, gear, snacks, water, safety essentials, etc. 
  • Know your route: Plan your stops, check your map, and have a backup plan in case you get lost. 

Explore ideas and guidance in the Lead with Adventure section of the Activity Zone to get started. 

4. Stay Active with Physical Recreation 
Use the summer to try a new sport or improve your fitness. You could: 

  • Join a local sports club or summer camp. 
  • Take up swimming, running, or cycling. 
  • Try yoga or dance classes outdoors. 

Or explore something more unique from the Activity Zone’s Athletic Alley: 

  • Parkour or Urban Running: Build agility and confidence in your local environment. 
  • Rollerblading or Skateboarding: Fun, accessible, and great for balance and coordination. 

5. Build Your Skills This Summer 
Summer is a great time to dive into something new or level up a hobby you love. Try learning an instrument, a new language, or a creative skill like photography or writing 

Taking on a challenge from Build on Your Hobby, try: 

  • Cosplay Design or Costume Making: Combine sewing, design, and creativity. 
  • Photography Challenges: Explore nature, portraits, or street photography. 
  • Podcasting or YouTube: Share your voice and build communication skills. 

Exploring career-related interests from Test Drive Your Career: 

  • Game Design or Coding Projects: Learn to build apps or games. 
  • Entrepreneurial Projects: Start a small business or sell handmade crafts. 
  • Virtual Internships or Job Shadowing: Get real-world experience in a field you’re curious about. 

6. Make a Difference Through Volunteering
Use your summer to give back and grow your impact. You could: 

  • Volunteer at a local charity, animal shelter, or community event 
  • Help organize a fundraiser or awareness campaign 
  • Support younger participants or mentor peers in your Award group 
  • Find opportunities that match your interests and availability—every bit counts! 

7. Capture your summer story!
Whether you’re volunteering, learning a new skill, staying active, or out on your AJ, take photos of what you’re doing. It’s a great way to build photography skills and capture fun moments with friends. You can even share your best shots with your Award Leader for the Award in Action photo contest! 

For Parents and Award Leaders 

Support your young people by: 

  • Encouraging consistency: Help them create a summer schedule—and suggest planning weekly activities with friends who can help keep each other motivated and on track. 
  • Providing resources: Assist with transportation, equipment, or finding local opportunities. 
  • Celebrating progress: Acknowledge their efforts and milestones along the way. 

Keep your momentum going this summer!

Whether you’re just starting your Award or looking to stay consistent with your activities, the Activity Zone is your go-to space for ideas, planning tools, and inspiration. From creative skills to adventurous journeys, it’s all there to help you stay on track and make the most of your summer. 

Discover more in the Activity Zone

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