{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EChallenge Awards are new to Explorers, but they\u2019re not new to Scouts. If you\u2019ve worked with younger sections, you\u2019ll recognise them straight away. What\u2019s changed is how they\u2019ve been brought into Explorers, giving young people a clearer route into bigger challenges and more ownership of their experience.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey also link directly to Top Awards. Challenge Awards can count towards the International, Community and Values (ICV) projects needed to achieve them, helping everything feel more connected instead of separate. You can find out how this works here: \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/top-awards-for-young-people/top-award-guidance/using-challenge-awards-as-icv-projects/#\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Using Challenge Awards as ICV Projects\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#\u0022\u003EUsing Challenge Awards as ICV projects\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/5tlhb0ag/explorer-multi-challenge-awards.png","width":5000,"height":3337,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ECheck out the 6 Challenge Awards:\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/adventure/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Adventure\u0022\u003EAdventure\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/community-engagement/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Community Engagement\u0022\u003ECommunity\u00A0\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/employability/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Employability\u0022\u003EEmployability\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/international/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022International\u0022\u003EInternational\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/leadership/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Leadership\u0022\u003ELeadership\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/explorers/awards/values/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Values\u0022\u003EValues\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Meet the Challenge Awards","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EBuilt for bigger challenges\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChallenge Awards are all about going further. Instead of short activities, they focus on longer-term projects where Explorers take the lead. They choose something they care about, plan what they want to achieve, and follow it through over time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are six to choose from: Adventure, Community, Employability, International, Leadership and Values. Each one opens the door to a different kind of experience, but they all put young people firmly in the driving seat.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEach Challenge Award can only be completed once, so it\u2019s important that Explorers choose something meaningful and make the most of the opportunity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EThe requirements, made simple\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery Challenge Award follows the same core journey:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIdentify something you want to achieve\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlan how you\u2019re going to do it\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETake action and make it happen\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReview and reflect on what you\u2019ve learned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThroughout this, Explorers use the Experience Principles (Discover, Create, Solve, Mobilise, Experience and Reflect) to shape their project. These act as prompts to guide what they do and how they do it, helping them explore ideas, work with others, try new approaches and think about their progress along the way.\u0026nbsp;They give structure without boxing anyone in, keeping projects purposeful while still leaving space for creativity and choice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EYour journey, your way\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDocumenting the journey is a key part of every Challenge Award. We do provide a logbook, and for some Explorers that\u2019ll work really well. But it\u2019s not the only way.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYoung people can choose how they capture their experience, for example:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA short film or video diary\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA photo story or social-style feed\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA podcast or voice notes\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA presentation or slideshow\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA scrapbook or visual journal\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA blog or digital portfolio\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhat matters is that they can show what they did, what they learned, and the difference they made. Giving that choice makes it more engaging, more accessible, and much more personal.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EFinal thoughts\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChallenge Awards are where everything starts to come together. They connect the weekly programme to something bigger, helping young people build confidence, skills and a real sense of purpose. They\u2019re not just about taking part, they\u2019re about stepping up, leading the way, and seeing what\u2019s possible when Explorers take ownership of their journey.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out the 6-week plan","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EA flexible 6\u2011week programme designed to help young people become familiar with the new programme while working towards earning their first badge.\u003C/div\u003E","link":{"name":"Getting started with the new Explorer Programme","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-an-explorer-unit/getting-started-with-the-new-explorer-programme/","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#003982","title":"Getting started with the new Explorer programme","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Image top","cta":"Check out our guidance","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EIn-depth support for young people and volunteers in selecting, planning, documenting, and completing their Challenge Awards.\u003C/div\u003E","link":{"name":"Completing your Challenge Award","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/running-an-explorer-unit/introducing-challenge-awards/completing-your-challenge-award/","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Support for Challenge Awards","image":"/media/rjsb0y2e/explorers-new-two-throw-tomahawk.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dcfcbb33dabf50","imageFocus":"","imageId":89994,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EDownload these logbooks to capture your progress and achievements throughout your Challenge Awards and Top Awards.\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://cms.scouts.org.uk/media/qeuiisxf/challenge-award-log-book-a5-plain.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Explorer  Challenge Award Logbook\u0022\u003EDownload the Challenge Award Logbook\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://cms.scouts.org.uk/media/agcpd2aj/challenge-award-log-book-a5-editable.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Explorer Challenge Award - Editable .PDF\u0022\u003EUse the Editable Challenge Award Logbook\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://cms.scouts.org.uk/media/cufirha4/ksa-activities-log-plain.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022KSA Activity Tracker\u0022\u003EDownload the KSA Activity Tracker\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://cms.scouts.org.uk/media/y3tjmgpp/ksa-activities-log-editable.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022KSA Activity Tracker - Editable .PDF\u0022\u003EUse the Editable KSA Activity Tracker\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Keep track of the adventure","image":"/media/b4lnr4ox/explorers-new-three-climbing-wall.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dcfd6a1a31bc20","imageFocus":"","imageId":90014,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Image top","cta":"Learn more about using Challenge Awards as ICV Projects","body":"\u003Cdiv\u003EClear guidance for using and recording Challenge Awards as ICV projects, ensuring they are properly evidenced and contribute towards achieving top awards.\u003C/div\u003E","link":{"name":"Using Challenge Awards as ICV Projects","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/top-awards-for-young-people/top-award-guidance/using-challenge-awards-as-icv-projects/","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Using Challenge Awards as ICV Projects","image":"/media/1jjl1rxh/explorers-new-two-tomahawk-celebrate.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dcfcbb3529fba0","imageFocus":"","imageId":89996,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA group working on the Community Challenge might improve a local park, run events, and track the impact over time. Someone else might take on the Employability Challenge by organising workshops, meeting employers, or building skills for the future. No two projects will look the same, and that\u2019s the point. Challenge Awards flex around the interests, ideas and ambitions of the Explorers taking part.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Real projects, real impact","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EThis programme is designed to be flexible and easily adapted to the needs of your unit and every single young person who is a part of it. There are some \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/including-disabled-and-neurodivergent-people/making-reasonable-adjustments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Making reasonable adjustments\u0022\u003Ereasonable adjustments\u003C/a\u003E that you may want to consider, as well as specific guidance around \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/including-disabled-and-neurodivergent-people/making-reasonable-adjustments/making-changes-to-activities-badges-and-awards/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Making changes to activities, badges and awards\u0022\u003Emaking changes to activities, badges and awards\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Flexibility and adaptability","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Learn about Challenge Awards for Explorers and their requirements.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"Introducing Challenge Awards","versionDate":"09 June 2026","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":89862,"nodeName":"Introducing Challenge Awards","title":"Introducing Challenge Awards","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Introducing Challenge Awards","headerSubTitle":"Learn about Challenge Awards for Explorers and their requirements","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Learn about Challenge Awards for Explorers and their requirements.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTg2MiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/running-an-explorer-unit/introducing-challenge-awards/"}