To qualify for the Award, an entrant must participate in one activity from each of the following categories: Physical Recreation, Skills, Service, and Expeditions.

Gold Award participants must also complete a Residential Project. For details on the amount of time which must be dedicated to the acitivies chosen for each Award level, see the Award Programme section. The following list of examples for each activity is by no means exhaustive. They are intended to give you an idea of what types of activities may be undertaken. Check with your local registered operator or the Award office if you want to find out whether a certain activity can be counted towards your Award. Chances are it can!

Physical Recreation

Through participation in a chosen physical activity over a minimum period of time, this section encourages self-discipline, perserverance and self-motivation in the individual. It is founded on the belief that:

• Involvement in some form of physical activity is essential for physical well-being.
  
• A lasting sense of achievement and satisfaction is derived from meeting a physical challenge.


• introduction to enjoyable physical recreation may lead to a lifelong interest.

This section is based on improvement of performance relative to an individual's capabilities, thus being as challenging to the natural athlete as to the physically less gifted.

Some examples of the recreational activities you can choose are:

Skills

The object of this section is to stimulate participants to take up, and persevere at, satisfying and purposeful pursuits within a wide range of practical, cultural and social activities. Participants can either:

• Follow a personal interest or hobby.
  
• Take up a practical vocational skill which could lead to employment.
  
• Complete a definite task (such as making a piece of furniture, or producing a play).
  

The emphasis in this section is also on effort and perseverance within one's own capabilities rather than a set level of ability. Participants are required to show commitment to their chosen activity over a set period of time, thus widening their horizons and satisfying a personal challenge.

Some examples of skills you can choose are:

Service

This section is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and that voluntary help is needed to create a happy and caring community. This training may take the form of either:

• Briefing and counselling sessions leading directly to practical service of a non-specialised nature.
  
• Specialised training as preparation for later practical services in that field.

Some examples of service activities you may like to undertake are:

Expeditions

The Expeditions section presents an exciting challenge to Award participants to undertake a venture with a specific purpose in an unfamiliar environment. Such ventures demand:

• preparatory training, both theoretical and practical, leading to the ability to journey safely in the chosen environment
  
• enterprise and imagination in concept
  
• forethought, careful attention to detail, and organisational ability in preparation
  
• determination in execution
  
• shared responsibility for the venture, leadership from within the group, self-reliance and cooperation among those taking part.

Types of ventures which may be undertaken include:

Bushwalking Bicycling Canoeing

Horseriding Rafting

Rowing Sailing

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Residential Project

Gold Award Only

This additional requirement for the Gold Award introduces participants to some form of purposeful activity in a residential setting. Through the experience of living and working with others who are not their everyday companions, the participant will develop maturity and a sense of responsibility for their actions.

The project must have a clear and worthwhile purpose and serve to broaden the interests and experience of the participants.

Many opportunities for Residential Projects exist and include camps, courses and projects falling into the following categories:

• Adventure and/or coaching, and sports activity and/or music courses
• Camps or activity courses for children and young people
• Community projects, such as the provision of playgrounds, parks or environmental enhancement programmes
• Voluntary help in residential homes, hospitals, centres and camps for disadvantaged children, the elderly, the sick, refugees or the disabled
• Voluntary work with conservation agencies.