Home & Life Management
Discover the practical skills you’ll need to manage your own space someday. From budgeting and meal planning to basic cleaning routines and simple home maintenance, this pathway prepares you for independent living. These are real-world skills that will help you feel confident and capable when you’re ready to be on your own.
Building your Award:
Find Bronze Award examples to support activity planning
Example SMART Goal: I want to understand what it really costs to run a household. For 13 weeks, I’ll spend an hour each week researching different expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance. I’ll create a realistic monthly budget for someone living on their own.
Example Assessor: Teacher, guidance counselor, or community life skills program coordinator
ORB Category: Life and Vocational Skills
ORB Subcategory: Financial Literacy/Money Management
Example Log: Looked up average rent prices in my city today – way more expensive than I thought! Also learned that utilities can add $150-200 per month. Starting to understand why budgeting matters so much.
Example SMART Goal: Household chores are actually a workout! For 13 weeks, I’ll do active chores like vacuuming, yard work, or washing the car for at least an hour each week. I’ll track how I feel and notice if I’m getting stronger.
Example Assessor: Gym teacher, coach, or recreation center staff
ORB Category: Gym/Personal Programs
ORB Subcategory: General Fitness
Example Log: Spent an hour raking leaves and bagging them today. My arms are tired but it feels good to see the yard looking clean! Noticing I don’t get as winded as I did the first few weeks.
Example SMART Goal: Housing is a big issue in my community. I’m volunteering an hour each week with a local organization that helps people find affordable housing or provides support for those experiencing housing insecurity.
Example Assessor: Organization supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or social services staff
ORB Category: Voluntary Service to Other People
ORB Subcategory: Support Services
Example Log: Helped organize donation bins and sort household items for families moving into new homes today. It felt good knowing these things will help someone start fresh. Learning about what resources are available next week.
(Completed as a team. Participants will work together to plan and complete their journey.)
Example Activity: Apartment Hunting Adventure! Explore different neighborhoods and research what it would cost to live there. Visit open houses, look up listings online, compare costs, and consider factors like transit, safety, and amenities.
Example Team Goal: Our team will research at least 4 different neighborhoods, compare rental costs, create a “first apartment checklist” of what you’d need to buy, and present our findings on the best options for young adults.
Example Assessor/Supervisor: Teacher, Award Leader, or community housing program staff
