{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EChoosing your Challenge Award project can be tricky. Start with what interests you, then shape it into something you can actually do.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003ENot sure where to start?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re not sure how to start, try these questions. You don\u2019t need to answer all of them, just the ones that are helpful.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat do you think this Challenge Award is about?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat interests you most about the themes of this Challenge Award?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat activities have enjoyed in the past related to these Challenge Awards?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat are you curious about?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat would you like to try?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow could you turn those ideas into a challenge?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ENeed more help deciding?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cdiv\u003EUse the information below to explore ideas based on what interests you and what you\u2019d like to try. Choose the options that stand out and build an experience that feels right for you.\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re interested in going beyond your local area and connecting globally, there are several ways to get involved depending on how adventurous you feel and what kind of experience you want.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re feeling very adventurous and want a significant personal challenge, you could take on something like completing your Explorer Belt, which offers a self-led international expedition. If you prefer a shared experience, attending a large international event such as a Jamboree or Roverway, or visiting an International Scout Centre like Kandersteg, gives you the chance to meet Scouts from all over the world and experience new places together.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re somewhat adventurous but not looking for a large expedition, you might prefer a smaller or more flexible international connection. This could include taking part in JOTA/JOTI (and supporting younger sections to get involved), organising or attending an international-themed camp or exchange, or even going to a UK-based Jamboree to still experience global Scouting without travelling far.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re more interested in learning and exploring ideas than travelling, you could focus on understanding cultures, diversity, and global issues. This might involve running an international evening, connecting with a pen pal, exploring cultural diversity and inclusion, or learning about global politics through activities like running a mini Model United Nations or hosting debate nights on world issues.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re motivated to take action rather than just learn, you could run events or projects with an international focus. This could include organising cultural celebrations, leading discussions or workshops, fundraising for global causes, supporting others (such as helping younger sections take part in JOTA/JOTI), or delivering international-themed programmes.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"International"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019d like to focus on your local community, you can shape your experience based on whether you want to help, create, improve, learn, take action, or lead.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your goal is to help people directly, you might volunteer at a local community centre, food bank, youth club, or charity. If you prefer to create something new, you could design a digital tool or community resource, or develop a programme or activity series for your Unit or a younger section.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to improve your community, you could focus on accessibility and inclusion by carrying out an audit and acting on your findings, run wellbeing or mental health activities, or organise environmental improvements like litter picks or sustainability projects.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re more interested in learning first, you could explore areas such as UK politics and decision-making, take part in Parliament Week, or study environmental issues and sustainability through things like the Earth Tribe award. You might also focus on digital safety and help others build their skills in this area.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to take action, you could fundraise for a cause you care about or contribute to ongoing campaigns such as climate action or equality. If you\u2019d prefer to lead or influence others, you might support a younger Scout section in achieving their Community Impact stages, or run awareness sessions for a wider audience on topics such as online safety or global issues.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Community Impact"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re preparing for work or building life skills, your journey will depend on your starting point and what you want to develop.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re just starting out, building confidence in applications and interviews is key. You could practise writing CVs, using the STAR method, and doing mock interviews. As you gain experience, you could strengthen your CV by helping to organise events within Scouts, taking on responsibilities that demonstrate teamwork and leadership.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re already working or applying for roles, you might focus on gaining real-world experience through part-time work or volunteering, reflecting on the skills you\u2019re developing along the way.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re interested in digital or creative skills, you could learn to code and build a website, create a digital resource for your community, write creatively, or develop a blog or portfolio to share your ideas.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor everyday life skills, you might build independence by learning to drive, planning trips, managing budgets, or improving your cooking, potentially sharing your skills by running sessions for others.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to build confidence in communication and leadership, you could take part in debates, practise public speaking, teach others by running workshops, solve problems through project-based learning, or organise events and activities. Tracking your progress over time through a skills log can help you reflect on your development.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Employability "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to develop as a leader, you can choose whether to focus on leading others, influencing ideas, or growing yourself.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to lead others directly, you might work with younger sections by completing your Young Leader Belt or taking on a regular support role. You could also lead sessions, activities, or clubs, or help run parts of larger events such as District or County activities.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you prefer working with peers or the wider community, you could take on roles that involve organising activities, running events, or supporting group initiatives.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re interested in leading change or representing others, you might get involved in youth forums, gather feedback from young people, and present ideas to leaders. You could also design and lead projects that improve your group or community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your focus is personal growth, you might explore different leadership styles, learn from inspirational figures, reflect on your own strengths and areas for development, and create a structured plan with support from mentors or leaders.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Leadership "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re looking for adventure, you can tailor your experience based on how bold you want to be and what type of exploration interests you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you enjoy discovering places close to home, you could explore local walking routes, map safe and interesting trails, or organise environmental improvements like clean-ups. If you\u2019re drawn to large-scale adventures, you might take on a major expedition like the Explorer Belt or plan a group journey with a strong theme or challenge.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your focus is trying new activities, you could experiment with a range of adventurous experiences such as water sports, climbing, caving, or team challenges. Alternatively, you could set yourself a goal of trying multiple new activities or creating your own \u201Cadventure bucket list.\u201D\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019d rather focus on wellbeing, you might explore creative outlets like journaling or blogging, or practise mindfulness and reflection through nature and meditation. You could also support others by volunteering at campsites, working towards activity permits, or helping organise and deliver outdoor activities.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Adventure "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to explore your values, you can do this through reflection, action, or making a wider impact.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to better understand yourself, you might reflect on your beliefs and experiences by creating a values journal or map, or exploring how your identity has been shaped. You could also learn from others by researching global changemakers or interviewing people in your community and sharing their perspectives.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you want to live your values through action, you might commit to everyday behaviours that reflect what matters to you, or take on a focused project such as volunteering, campaigning, or supporting a cause.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019d rather use your voice, you could join discussions and debates, raise awareness through campaigns or presentations, and share your ideas with others.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your goal is to make a difference, you could focus on your local community by volunteering or organising activities that bring people together, or look more broadly at global challenges such as equality, fairness, and sustainability, taking action or raising awareness in these areas.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Values"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EStill not sure?\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThat\u2019s normal.\u0026nbsp;Talk to your Explorer Leader or your Unit, they can help you shape an idea into something that works. You could also check out the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/top-awards-for-young-people/top-awards-opportunities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Top Awards opportunities\u0022\u003ETop Awards Opportunities\u003C/a\u003E page for futher ideas and projects you could take part in.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EGetting the right level of challenge\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt can be hard to work out what the right level of challenge is.\u003Cbr\u003EChallenge Awards are meant to grow with you. As you move through Platinum, Diamond and then the King\u2019s Scout Award, the level of challenge, responsibility and independence should increase too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis means that what you do for your first 2 Challenge Awards will look a lot different to what you do for your last 2 Challenge Awards. This shows you\u2019ve grown and are capable of more than when you started Explorers!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe awards should help you progress from just taking part to being responsible for organising or running an activity. They might see you move from taking part in activities only in your local area to taking part in national or international events. The people you involve in your projects might grow from your unit, to another section, to multiple sections, your District, County or even further afield.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHow can you challenge yourself more?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019ve got an idea for a project but it maybe doesn\u2019t feel challenging enough, consider:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat related to this activity is outside your comfort zone?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow can you try doing it more than once?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow could you help others learn how to do it?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECould you do it at a bigger scale?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECan you spend time reflecting on what changed or challenged you\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECould you try out and compare different methods or techniques?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow can you share your journey with others?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor further information and guidance on linking your challenge award to ICV (International, Community and Values) Projects and making sure you get the right level, check out our \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/top-awards-for-young-people/top-award-guidance/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Top Award Guidance\u0022\u003ETop Awards Guidance Pages\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Ch4\u003EWhat to focus on\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHelping Explorers find something they care about\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupporting ideas that are realistic but still stretch them\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEncouraging ownership of the challenge\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EWhat to avoid\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAssigning or heavily steering their challenge\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPushing them toward \u201Csafe\u201D or standardised ideas\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrioritising ease of evidence over meaningful experience\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EHow you can support\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUse prompts like:\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u201CWhat interests you most here?\u201D\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u201CWhat would make this feel worth doing?\u201D\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHelp shape ideas rather than replace them\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReassure them that ideas can evolve after they start\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","label":"For 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