Parents, Chris & Sherry Blackwell on the Transformative Power of the Award

When Chris and Sherry Blackwell look back on their son Carson’s Award experience, one word comes to mind: ownership.  

For Sherry, Carson’s experience was especially meaningful because she had been through the Award once before with their eldest son. “Back then, everything was on paper,” she recalls with a smile. “I was the logistics manager—tracking signatures, organizing paperwork, making sure everything stayed on track. It was meaningful and rewarding but naturally required more parent involvement.”  

Years later, she noticed how it evolved—introducing flexible ways to track progress, leveraging new tools, and providing greater access to supportive Award Leaders. “It’s inspiring,” she says. “Carson took complete ownership, and having consistent guidance throughout the process made a world of difference.”  

Carson, their youngest, didn’t need a push. He sought out the Award himself, set his own goals, and charted his own path forward. “That’s exactly what I love about it,” Chris says. “It’s self-driven. Carson crafted his own goals, chose his activities, and we as parents were there lightly on the sidelines. It was truly his project—so much more meaningful because of that ownership.”  

“It’s not about being the best. It’s about being your best. Award helps young people discover who they are, and what they can give.”  

Today, dedicated Award Leaders and mentors—both in-person and virtually—offer ongoing support to help young people succeed. Their guidance ensures that participants have the resources and encouragement needed to navigate every step of their Award.  

A Defining Challenge  

One of the most memorable moments in Carson’s Award came during a 24-hour Wilderness Traverse. The team navigated by canoe, bike, and foot—through woods, water, and night—facing stretches when they weren’t sure they’d make it.  

“But they did,” Chris says. “And that moment—‘I did it. I can do it.’—that pride stays with you.”  

For Chris, this was the essence of the Award: not a competition against others, but a personal journey of growth. “School can feel rigid and competitive. But the Award asked him to grow, not to compete. It created space for reflection, for purpose—and it invited us all to rethink what success really means.”  

From Proud Parent to Active Advocate  

Chris had never served on a board before, but the transformation he witnessed in his son inspired him to step forward. “I’ve always cared deeply about youth—especially programs that build character and confidence. Seeing what Carson gained—initiative, resilience, curiosity—made me want to be involved.”

Now, as a member of the Board of Directors, Chris works to make the Award accessible to more young people across Canada. “This isn’t just about our family—it’s about making sure any young person, regardless of background, can have this experience.”  

Why It Matters Now  

Chris believes the Award is more than a framework—it’s an investment in Canada’s future. 

“Right now, we’re expanding into public schools, underrepresented communities, and even virtual spaces. The people who need this the most are finally being served. And that confidence—it doesn’t just change one child. It ripples out into their family, their school, their community.”  

For Carson, that ripple looked like crossing the Wilderness Traverse finish line—exhausted, proud, and forever changed. “That kind of confidence doesn’t come from natural talent,” Chris says. “It comes from doing hard things and seeing them through.”  

Be Part of the Next Transformation  

Help more young people gain the confidence to take on life’s challenges.  

Your gift ensures that any young person—no matter their background—can access the tools, mentorship, and opportunities the Award provides.  

Give young people the confidence to grow and succeed through the Award Canada Way—Donate today. 

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