Adventurous Journey Library Example

Appreciating the culture within the journey’s environment. 

​​☒​ Camp craft, including food and cooking. 

​​☒​ Competency in the mode of travel. 

​​☒​ First Aid and emergency procedures. 

​​☒​ Navigation. 

​​☒​ Necessary equipment and how to use it. 

​​☒​ Observation and recording skills. 

​​☒​ Route planning. 

​​☒​ Team building and leadership training. 

​​☒​ Understanding of the Adventurous Journey. 

​​☒​ Understanding the impact of the journey on the environment. 

All Preparation and Training will be completed by: ​​2025-01-30​ 
These date(s) will be what you enter on ORB and must all be completed before you undergo the Qualifying Journey.

Discuss amongst your group and along with your Award Leader to decide what your group would like to do for your Adventurous Journey!

Do you want to go hiking or paddling? Cycle between cities? Explore historical landmarks? Investigate environmental features/issues? Be creative and decide as a team what will be challenging, realistic and enjoyable for you.

Journey activities can differ between Practice and Qualifying Journeys! If they do, it is important to include in your team goal and ensure your team completes necessary Preparation and Training to safely undertake all the activities you will be doing. 

These are some options you may choose: 

​​☐​ Exploring different rock climbing routes 

​​☐​ Following an ancient pilgrimage 

​​☐​ Retracing the path of an early explorer 

​​☐​ Sailing trip 

​​☐​ Hiking trip 

​​☐​ Paddling trip 

​​☐​ Cross country skiing trip 

​​☐​ Cycling trip 

​​☐​ Dogsledding trip 

​​☐​ Horse riding trip 

​​☐​ Cultural trips 

​​☐​ Historical trips 

​​☐​ Marine study 

​​☐​ Environmental/conservation study 

​​☐​ Orienteering 

​​☐​ Scientific exploration 

​​☐​ Surveying national/wildlife observations 

​​☒​ Other: Skills Competition 

The team must set a clear and challenging goal that is achievable and defines what activities the team will be doing throughout the journey this may include researching, investigating and/or exploring the natural world.

What is your team goal?

Specific: Our team will not only attend the regional robotics skills competition but also use this opportunity to refine our communication and teamwork skills in preparation for the larger provincial event. To simulate a real journey, we will travel by foot for two hours, practicing our navigation and teamwork skills along the way. During this journey, we will complete practice tasks related to our project, focusing on effective communication and collaboration. Once we arrive at the competition, we will concentrate on effectively communicating feedback, troubleshooting issues, and making live tweaks to our robot based on competition feedback. Each member will take on a specific role, ensuring that we apply immediate improvements to our robot’s performance and learn new strategies and ideas from other teams.

Measurable: We will measure success by conducting at least two live adjustments to our robot based on competition feedback and ensuring that each team member communicates their observations and suggestions during these updates. Additionally, we will track our progress during the two-hour foot journey, assessing how effectively we work together to complete our practice tasks and navigate as a team. We will also document key strategies and techniques observed from other teams and matches. At the end of the day, we will hold a team debrief to review how our communication and quick adjustments contributed to our performance and identify areas for improvement for the larger event.

Achievable: Each team member will be assigned a clear role, such as collecting feedback from judges, observing other teams’ strategies, or managing the robot’s adjustments. During our two-hour foot journey, we will schedule time for discussion and practice tasks, allowing us to strengthen our communication and teamwork skills before the competition. We will also schedule time during breaks at the competition to discuss feedback and implement changes. By focusing on real-time communication and collaboration, we ensure that our robot improves throughout the day.

Realistic: Given that we will be at the competition for one full day, focusing on communication and live adjustments is achievable within this timeframe. The two-hour foot journey will build our skills and allow us to arrive prepared for the competition. We will divide roles so that all feedback is collected and applied efficiently, leaving enough time for observing other teams and learning from their strategies.

Time-bound: The Practice Journey will take place over one day. We will spend two hours journeying by foot to simulate our travel experience, followed by four hours on robot preparation and participation in matches. We will dedicate two hours to live-tweaking and observing strategies from other teams. A final debrief and documentation of key lessons will be completed by the end of the day. This will be submitted as your Practice Journey Goal on ORB. Your team goal needs to be reviewed and approved by your Supervisor/Assessor before your Practice Journey takes place. 

This will be submitted as your Practice Journey Goal on ORB. Your team goal needs to be reviewed and approved by your Supervisor/Assessor before your Practice Journey takes place.

If you need help in developing your Team Goal, you can find an AJ Team Goal Builder worksheet here.

When will you go and return?

Dates must take place before your Qualifying Journey

Start Date: ​2025-02-06​ 
End Date: ​2025-02-06​ 

What mode(s) of transport will your team use for your Practice Journey?

• We will be walking while also practicing to use public transportation to get to and from our competition.

If motorized transportation is used on your journey such as mobility aids, e-bikes, public transportation etc. it should be incorporated into your team goal and agreed upon with your Leader/Assessor. Motorized transportation that is used to get to a starting point or from an end point cannot count towards purposeful activity time.

What will be your accommodation for your Practice Journey (if applicable)?

• N/A (overnight is only required for the Qualifying Journey at the Bronze level) 

Where will you be staying? What do you need to stay there i.e. permits, tents, booking, etc. How much will this cost you? All accommodation should be self-sufficient, approved by the adult you are working with and in line with your Award Centre guidelines. Examples include tents, yurts, hostels, simple shelters, community halls/gyms/ fields, etc..

Your team MUST have emergency procedures and policies in place to deal with any incidents that may occur as a result of Award activities. Speak to your Award Leader and/or adults helping deliver the AJ to understand what needs to be included in your risk assessment and what emergency procedures are already in place or need to be created.

Ensure you know how you will reach your emergency contact(s) when needed (e.g. phone, satellite phone/SPOT etc.). Your emergency contact(s) need to be aware of your plans, how to contact your team, when you will be checking in with them and what to do if anything goes wrong/they don’t hear from you.

List any potential risks or hazards your group could encounter while on your trip (bad weather, terrain, injuries, wildlife encounters, getting lost, etc). Your team must discuss these risks with your group and AJ Supervisor and decide on preventative measures you will use as well emergency plans so the whole team is prepared in case anything happens. More Preparation and Training may be required based on the risks that are identified.

Other scenarios and a fillable risk management template your team should discuss and fill out can be found here. 

As a group, explore meal recipes and decide on options suitable for all members. For ideas and recipes, click here. Plan a full menu as a group for the length of your journey. Remember your team must carry the supplies and prepare all your meals including at least one substantial meal each day.

Breakfast: Overnight oats with fruits (such as bananas and berries) and honey 

Snack: Yogurt and granola 

Lunch: Turkey and cheese sandwiches with lettuce and tomato 

Snack: Rice cakes and peanut butter 

Dinner: Homemade pizza 

Don’t forget to consider the items you will need for each meal, who will bring/carry them and how much it will cost the team.

Plan as a group what you will need to take with you on the Practice Journey, keeping in mind that you must be self-sufficient. For ideas and tips, check out the example AJ Packing List.

Individual Gear: Gear that each member will bring their own of e.g. toiletries, water bottle, sleeping bag, etc.

• Water bottle (reusable)
• Personal snacks 
• Any necessary medications
• Personal phone and charger
• Notebook and pen for notes or reflections
• Personal identification (ID, health card) 

Group Gear: Gear that the group will share on their Adventurous Journey e.g. cooking utensils, tents/shelter, first aid kit, emergency equipment, map, etc.

• Cooking utensils (pots, pans, utensils)  
• First aid kit 
• Map of the city 
• Food supplies for shared meals 
• Lightweight portable cooking stove
• Cooking pot or pan
• Utensils, bowls
• Small cutting board
• Soap and scrubbie for cleaning
• Emergency contacts and group messaging app installed

Clothing: Items of clothing that each member should prepare to bring e.g. shoes, hats, jackets, etc.

• Sturdy shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Warm layers
• Rain jacket
• Hat and gloves
• Extra pair of clothing (socks, underwear, pants, shirt) 

An opportunity to change or modify your Qualifying Journey plans and details with your Supervisor. Complete the Practice Journey Debriefing Report with your AJ Supervisor and Assessor. You can find the guide here.

Team meeting with your Supervisor to review your Practice Journey.

Date of Debrief: ​2025-02-06​

After the Practice Journey the team debrief should be completed as soon as possible.

Please note, it is up to the participant to ensure their Supervisor receives and completes the Assessor Report. The Supervisor is responsible for providing a group assessment for the team’s Practice Journey and communicating with the Assessor.

The team must set a clear and challenging goal that is achievable and defines what activities the team will be doing throughout the journey. This may include researching, investigating and/or exploring the natural world.

See our example goals for more ideas.

Team Goal:

Specific: Our team will plan and undertake a journey to a regional robotics competition where we will not only compete, but also gather information about trends and innovations in robotics. We will focus on interviewing at least 3 industry professionals about their design processes, technical challenges, and innovative solutions. This information will be compiled into a report. 

Measurable: We will conduct and document a minimum of 3 interviews during the competition, focusing on the following aspects: design innovation, technical troubleshooting, programming techniques, and teamwork strategies. We will also collect notes from workshops or presentations we attend during the event. 

Achievable: Prior to the competition, each team member will prepare interview questions, learn how to record and document interviews, and learn how to approach professionals and teams in a respectful, informed manner. We will divide responsibilities to ensure all interviews are conducted within the competition timeframe. 

Relevant: This goal is directly related to our interests in robotics and provides a deeper learning experience by engaging with peers and professionals in the field. It enhances our understanding of the robotics industry, design challenges, and innovative solutions, which aligns with our academic development. 

Time-bound: The interviews and data collection will take place over the 2 days of the competition. Our report, summarizing our findings, will be completed about 1 week after our competition. 

This will be submitted as your Qualifying Journey Goal on ORB. Your team goal needs to  be reviewed and approved by your Supervisor/Assessor before your Qualifying Journey takes place.

If you need help in developing your Team Goal, you can find an AJ Team Goal Builder worksheet here.

When will you go and return?

Start Date: ​2025-05-05​ 

End Date: ​2025-05-06​ 

What mode(s) of transport will your team use for your Qualifying Journey?

• We will be walking while using public transportation to navigate around the city.

If motorized transportation is used on your journey such as mobility aids, e-bikes, public transportation etc. it should be incorporated into your team goal and agreed upon with your Leader/Assessor. Motorized transportation that is used to get to a starting point or from an end point cannot count towards Purposeful Activity time.

What will be your accommodation for your Qualifying Journey?

• We will be staying in a youth centre.

Where will you be staying? What do you need to stay there i.e. permits, tents, booking, etc. How much will this cost you? All accommodation should be self-sufficient, approved by the adult you are working with and in line with your Award Centre guidelines. Examples include tents, yurts, hostels, simple shelters, community halls/gyms/ fields, etc…

Your team MUST have emergency procedures and policies in place to deal with any incidents that may occur as a result of Award activities. Speak to your Award Leader and/or adults helping deliver the AJ to understand what needs to be included in your risk assessment and what emergency procedures are already in place or need to be created.

Ensure you know how you will reach your emergency contact(s) when needed (e.g. phone, satellite phone/SPOT etc.). Your emergency contact(s) need to be aware of your plans, how to contact your team, when you will be checking in with them and what to do if anything goes wrong/they don’t hear from you.

List any potential risks or hazards your group could encounter while on your trip (bad weather, terrain, injuries, wildlife encounters, getting lost, etc). Your team must discuss these risks with your group and AJ Supervisor and decide on preventative measures you will use as well emergency plans so the whole team is prepared in case anything happens. More Preparation and Training may be required based on the risks that are identified.

As a group, explore meal recipes and decide on options suitable for all members. For ideas and recipes, click here. Plan a full menu as a group for the length of your Journey. Remember your team must carry the supplies and prepare all your meals including at least one substantial meal each day.

Day 1:

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast 

Snack: Fresh fruit (e.g., bananas or apples) 

Lunch: Wraps with deli meat, cheese, and veggies  

Snack: Granola bars and fruit cups 

Dinner: Chili 

Day 2:

Breakfast: Toast with jam and bacon 

Snack: Cheese and apples

Lunch: Bagels and cream cheese 

Snack: Grapes and trail mix 

Dinner: Chicken and veggie stir fry

Don’t forget to consider the items you will need for each meal, who will bring/carry them and how much it will cost the team.

Plan as a group what you will need to take with you on the Qualifying Journey, keeping in mind that you must be self-sufficient. For ideas and tips, check out the example AJ Packing List.

Individual Gear: Gear that each member will bring their own of e.g. toiletries, water bottle, sleeping bag, etc.

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, etc.) 
• Water bottle (reusable)
• Sleeping bag 
• Personal snacks 
• Any necessary medications 
• Personal phone and charger
• Notebook and pen for notes or reflections
• Personal identification (ID, health card) 

Group Gear: Gear that the group will share on their Adventurous Journey e.g. cooking utensils, tents/shelter, first aid kit, emergency equipment, map, etc.

• Cooking utensils (pots, pans, utensils)  
• First aid kit 
• Map of the city 
• Food supplies for shared meals 
• Pots/pans
• Cooler
• Food and drinks
• Lightweight portable cooking stove
• Utensils, bowls
• Small cutting board
• Soap and scrubbie for cleaning
• Emergency contacts and group messaging app installed
  

Clothing: Items of clothing that each member should prepare to bring e.g. shoes, hats, jackets, etc.

• Sturdy shoes
• Comfortable clothing 
• Warm layers 
• Rain jacket 
• Hat and gloves 
• Extra changes of clothes (socks, underwear, shirt, pants)
• Pajamas
• Towels 

An opportunity to review the Qualifying Journey with your team and Assessor to learn more from the experience. Talk to your Assessor and team about how you will complete your Adventurous Journey Debriefing Report and what needs to be submitted.  Your Adventurous Journey Debriefing Report will need to be submitted to your Assessor before they can complete the Assessor Report on the ORB.

Complete the debrief with your AJ Assessor. You can find the guide here.

Team meeting with your Assessor to review your Qualifying Journey.

Date of Debrief: ​2025-05-06​ 

After the Qualifying Journey the team debrief should be completed as soon as possible.

An opportunity to change or modify your Qualifying Journey plans and details with your Supervisor. The debrief should be completed as soon as possible after your Practice Journey.

Team meeting with your Supervisor to review your Practice Journey.

Date of Debrief: ​2025-02-06​ 

Please note, the Supervisor is responsible for completing the assessment for the team’s Practice Journey on the ORB.

What went well? What do you want to continue to see on the Qualifying Journey?

• Our communication and teamwork during the foot journey went even better than expected. We stayed organized, assigned roles clearly, and managed to troubleshoot issues on the fly when it came to our practice tasks. We all felt that having clear roles gave everyone a sense of purpose, and this helped us perform well at the competition, especially with live adjustments to our robot. For the Qualifying Journey, we’d like to keep this same approach, focusing on making adjustments quickly and efficiently as a team, using clear communication. 

What was challenging? (for individuals and the team)

• Managing our time during the live-tweaking of the robot was tough—there was pressure to make quick changes while keeping the robot ready for each round. Some team members also found it hard to balance observing other teams and focusing on our own improvements. It made us realize that we need more practice in observing and documenting strategies under pressure so that we don’t lose valuable learning opportunities. 

Are there any other training or skills your team needs to safely complete the Qualifying Journey?

• Yes, we need more practice in managing time under pressure, especially in communicating feedback without disrupting the workflow. It would also help to have some training in documentation, so we can quickly record and apply strategies from other teams. Additionally, practicing problem-solving under pressure would help our team handle unexpected situations at the next competition. 

Any other comments or notes?  

• We feel more confident about the Qualifying Journey now, knowing where we need to improve in our communication. We’re ready to build on what we learned for the larger event.“The Practice Journey taught us that real growth happens when you’re forced to solve problems together, even when things get tough. It wasn’t just about the competition but about learning to trust each other and stay adaptable in the face of new challenges.” – The Team 

You can find a blank template of the Practice Journey Debrief Report here.

An opportunity to review the Qualifying Journey with your team and Assessor to learn more from the experience. Talk to your Assessor and team about how you will complete your Adventurous Journey Debriefing Report and submit it.  Your Adventurous Journey Debriefing Report will need to be submitted to your Assessor before they can complete the Assessor Report on the ORB. The debrief should be completed as soon as possible after your Qualifying Journey.

Team meeting with your Assessor to review your Qualifying Journey. 

Date of Debrief: ​2025-05-06​ 

Please note, the Assessor is responsible for completing the Assessor Report for the team’s Qualifying Journey on the ORB.  

What did you do? 

• Our team attended a regional robotics competition with the specific goal of learning more about trends and innovations in the field of robotics. Beyond just participating, we interviewed three industry professionals, gathered information on their design processes and troubleshooting methods, and attended workshops to collect valuable insights for a report we will compile. 

What went well? What are you proud of? 

• We’re proud of our success in conducting three meaningful interviews and collecting detailed insights on innovative techniques and challenges in the field. Each team member contributed by preparing questions and taking detailed notes. Our teamwork and professionalism in approaching the professionals and managing time during the event allowed us to get the most out of each conversation and presentation. 

What was challenging? (for individuals and the team)

• Approaching professionals and managing nerves during the interviews was a challenge, especially since we wanted to make a good impression. At times, it was also challenging to balance our interviews with attending key workshops. Some of us found it difficult to keep up with fast-paced discussions on technical topics, which showed us that we need more practice in active listening and follow-up questions. 

Did you accomplish your team goal?

• Yes, we successfully completed our goal. We conducted all three interviews and gathered the information we aimed for on design innovation, troubleshooting techniques, and teamwork strategies. Additionally, we documented notes from the workshops and presentations, providing a solid foundation for our final report. 

What would you do differently for future journeys?  

• In future journeys, we would prepare even more specific follow-up questions to deepen our understanding during interviews. We also realized the value of practicing interview techniques more beforehand, which would help us feel even more confident. Lastly, we would consider dividing our time more strategically so that we can attend a broader range of workshops without sacrificing our interviews. 

What stood out? What did you learn? What are your take-aways from this experience? 

• What stood out most was the openness of professionals in sharing their experiences and advice. We learned that innovation often comes from facing unexpected challenges, and that teamwork is key in complex design projects. Our take-away is that robotics is as much about communication and problem-solving as it is about technical skills. This experience showed us the importance of building connections within the field and actively learning from those already working in it. 

Any other comments or notes?  

• We’re grateful for this journey because it opened our eyes to the reality of working in robotics. It made us more excited about our future projects and gave us a clearer sense of direction for where we want to grow.“This journey wasn’t just about learning robotics; it was about understanding how people solve real problems together. Speaking to professionals showed us that innovation thrives on teamwork, persistence, and being open to unexpected solutions.” – The Team 

You can find a blank template of the Practice Journey Debrief Report here.

The Adventurous Journey (AJ) Group Assessor Report allows an Adventurous Journey Supervisor and/or Assessor to sign-off on the team’s Practice and Qualifying Journey once, instead of completing it for each individual participant through the ORB.

The following information is to be filled by your AJ Supervisor

Date(s) of Journey: 06-02-2025 to 06-02-2025 
Award Centre: Coraline Award Centre 
Award Leader: Mel Jones 
Award Level(s): Bronze
Please select which component of the Adventurous Journey was completed: Practice Journey
Please indicate what type of  journey was completed: ​Practical 
Assessor’s Name:  Charlie Jones 
Date Assessment is Completed: 06-03-2024 
Assessor’s Qualifications/Experience:  Science Teacher 

Names of participants on this Journey:

• Coraline Jones  
• Wybie Lovat 
• April Spink 
• Bobinsky

Assessor’s Report: Please provide comments on the improvement, challenge and effort of the group throughout the Journey (if this is an assessment for the Practice Journey, please verify if the group is ready to start their Qualifying Journey).

Throughout this Practice Journey, the team showed clear progress in meeting their goal of strengthening communication and collaboration in preparation for the upcoming competition. Their journey was designed to mirror real-life challenges, emphasizing teamwork and adaptability, which are crucial for their Qualifying Journey. The team effectively split responsibilities and engaged in frequent check-ins to ensure they stayed aligned and were meeting their goals. This focus on collaboration allowed each member to contribute meaningfully to the group’s success. 

One of the key elements of the team’s goal was to enhance their real-time communication skills, particularly under challenging conditions, to enable smooth troubleshooting and immediate improvements to their robot’s performance. This was put into practice during their foot journey, where they navigated by working together and sharing insights. They also practiced structured feedback at the competition site, simulating the quick decision-making required to implement live tweaks and adjustments. 

While the team faced challenges, especially in balancing observation and feedback collection during the competition, they responded by refining their teamwork strategies and adjusting roles to meet real-time demands. This adaptability and commitment to their purpose demonstrated a maturity that speaks to their readiness for the Qualifying Journey. Each member actively applied their skills and embraced their roles, showcasing resilience and growth. 

Based on their reflection and teamwork, I am confident the group is prepared to take on the Qualifying Journey, with strengthened skills in both communication and problem-solving that align with their goal of meaningful, hands-on learning.

You can find a blank template of the AJ Group  Assessor report here.

The Adventurous Journey (AJ) Group Assessor Report allows an Adventurous Journey Supervisor and/or Assessor to sign-off on the team’s Practice and Qualifying Journey once, instead of completing it for each individual participant through the ORB.

The following information is to be filled by your AJ Supervisor

Date(s) of Journey: 05-05-2025 to 06-05-2025 
Award Centre: Coraline Award Centre 
Award Leader: Mel Jones 
Award Level(s): Bronze
Please select which component of the Adventurous Journey was completed: Qualifying Journey
Please indicate what type of  journey was completed: ​Practical 
Assessor’s Name:  Charlie Jones 
Date Assessment is Completed: 07-05-2025 
Assessor’s Qualifications/Experience: Award Leader with 2 years of experience guiding Bronze and Silver participants. Experienced in supporting youth through team-based goal-settings. 

Names of participants on this Journey:

• Coraline Jones  
• Wybie Lovat 
• April Spink 
• Bobinsky

Assessor’s Report: Please provide comments on the improvement, challenge and effort of the group throughout the Journey (if this is an assessment for the Practice Journey, please verify if the group is ready to start their Qualifying Journey).

During this Qualifying Journey, the team demonstrated exceptional growth, particularly in line with their goal of engaging with the broader robotics community to gain insights into trends and innovations. They aimed to apply new knowledge and refine their teamwork skills, and they exceeded expectations in both areas. Their journey involved interviewing industry professionals and observing peer teams, giving them a chance to learn directly from experts and apply that knowledge. 

One of the key strengths of the group was their focus on meaningful interaction. Each team member took on a specific role, such as interviewing, note-taking, or observing technical demonstrations. This approach not only made their work efficient but also allowed them to gain in-depth insights into design processes and innovative solutions in robotics. They diligently recorded their findings, resulting in a comprehensive overview of industry practices, which they will use for their final report. 

The team encountered challenges, particularly in managing the busy competition schedule while also conducting interviews and gathering data. Despite this, they showed resilience and adaptability, organizing their time effectively to balance their competitive responsibilities with their learning objectives. Their commitment to collaboration and respect for each team member’s role allowed them to stay on track and maximize their learning from the experience. 

Overall, the group has demonstrated a deep engagement with the objectives of their Qualifying Journey. Their focus on industry knowledge and technical skill-building aligns with the values of the Award, highlighting the impact of this experiential journey on their development. I am confident they will carry forward these skills and insights, contributing meaningfully to their future pursuits. 

You can find a blank template of the AJ Group  Assessor report here.

Please complete the following steps:

• The AJ Supervisor completes the Practice Journey, and the AJ Assessor completes the Qualifying Journey. One adult may be both the Supervisor and Assessor.
• Each participant will need to upload one assessment for their Practice Journey and one for their Qualifying Journey.
• Once this document is completed by the AJ Supervisor/Assessor, upload a copy to your ORB (participant can upload the template on the “I already have my assessment” section).

Step 1: Participants can go into the PJ or QJ section on the ORB to click on report, and then send for approval.

Step 2: Participants will get a pop-up, and can then click on “I already have my assessment”

Step 3: Participants will get another pop-up where they can attach the Group Assessor Report and then send for approval.