GOLD AWARD

You can start doing your Gold award from the age of 16 years old. You will have until your 25th birthday to complete the Award.

There are five sections for Gold. These are; Volunteering, Physical, Skill, Expedition & Residential.

Volunteering, Physical and Skill are completed for a minimum of 1 hour a week for the selected number of months (6, 12 or 18). However, they don’t all have to be done at the same time, so it can fit around your academic studies, hobbies and family life. You may find you are already doing activities that could count for a section. Development and regular progress will have to be shown during these sections.

The expeditions will be located within the UK, usually within 'wild' country i.e Lake District, Snowdonia or Brecon Beacons. You will be trained in navigation, first aid and camp craft and will do several training days before doing a practice expedition (usually 3 days and 2 nights) and the assessed expedition. Teams will be between 4 and 7 young people and, whilst out on expedition, will be remotely supervised by our team of leaders.

The residential section is where you will go away to complete a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights.

There will be a requirement to acquire some kit for expeditions which will be discussed during your training. At the Academy we have a stock of expedition tents and stoves and a few other items that can be hired for expeditions, but we can’t provide for everyone.