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: 2024-05-03
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:

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?

The team will complete a one-day Practice Journey to a historical site, where they will help build a deck. By the end of the day, they will finish their assigned portion of the deck, working safely and efficiently as a team. Prior to the journey, they will ensure they have the necessary tools and understand basic construction skills. This activity will support the preservation of the site and meet the requirements for the Bronze Award.

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: 2024-10-04
End Date: 2024-10-05

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

• Bus – from our school to the site location parking
• Foot – walking to and from the site location and throughout the AJ

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)?

Camping in tents. This will be on-site so no bookings will be needed. The tents are provided by the Award 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.

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: Oatmeal with mixed dried fruits and nuts, or granola bars, served with milk or almond milk.

Snack: Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, or oranges).

Lunch: Whole grain wraps with turkey, cheese, lettuce, and hummus, accompanied by carrot sticks and a small bag of trail mix.

Snack: Energy bars or protein bars.

Dinner: Grilled chicken or veggie skewers with bell peppers and zucchini, served with quinoa or rice and a side salad with a light dressing.

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.

• Refillable water bottle
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Personal snacks and meals
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medication and health supplies
• Notebook and pen for journaling
• Extra water and snacks for breaks
• Multi-tool or pocketknife (if applicable)
• Backpack for carrying personal items
• Reusable utensils and plate for meals

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.

• First aid kit
• Emergency communication devices (e.g., walkie-talkies, cell phones)
• Construction tools (hammers, saws, drills, etc.)
• Backup battery packs or portable chargers
• Shared water cooler or hydration system
• Deck-building materials (wood, nails, screws, etc.)
• GPS, compass, and map of the area
• Shelter/tent in case of inclement weather
• Shared food/snacks for group meals
• Emergency shelter

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

• Sturdy work boots or shoes
• Durable work gloves
• Weather-appropriate hat (for sun protection or warmth)
• Waterproof jacket or rain gear
• Comfortable, durable work pants
• Layers (light sweater, thermal shirt)
• High-visibility vest (if needed for safety on site)
• Extra pair of socks
• Sun-protective clothing (lightweight long-sleeve shirts)
• Insulated jacket (if colder temperatures are expected)

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: 2024-10-05

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:

Our team will build a 6×8 foot deck as part of the restoration at a historical site in Ontario. In addition to completing the deck, we will research and analyze the site’s historical significance, focusing on how its preservation contributes to the local community’s cultural heritage. Each day, we will conduct team discussions to reflect on our progress, construction techniques, and what we’ve learned about the site’s history, documenting everything in a group journal. Our aim is to enhance our construction skills, foster teamwork, and deepen our understanding of the historical context of the site.

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: 2024-10-05

End Date: 2024-10-07

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

• Bus – from our school to the site location parking
• Foot – walking to and from the site location and throughout the AJ

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?

Camping in tents. This will be on-site so no bookings will be needed. The tents are provided by the Award 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.

Other scenarios and a fallible 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.

Day 1:

Breakfast: Breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, wrapped in whole grain tortillas.

Snack: Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips).

Lunch: Pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette, served with whole grain bread.

Snack: Veggie sticks (carrots, celery, bell peppers) with hummus.

Dinner: Taco bowls with seasoned ground beef or beans, served with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole, alongside a side of corn.

Day 2:

Breakfast: Breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa, wrapped in whole grain tortillas.

Snack: Yogurt cups with granola or nuts.

Lunch: Sandwiches with assorted deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and condiments, served with a side of mixed fruit.

Snack: Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips).

Dinner: Taco bowls with seasoned ground beef or beans, served with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole, alongside a side of corn.

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.

• Refillable water bottle
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Personal snacks and meals
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medication and health supplies
• Notebook and pen for journaling
• Extra water and snacks for breaks
• Multi-tool or pocketknife (if applicable)
• Backpack for carrying personal items
• Reusable utensils and plate for meals

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.

• First aid kit
• Emergency communication devices (e.g., walkie-talkies, cell phones)
• Construction tools (hammers, saws, drills, etc.)
• Backup battery packs or portable chargers
• Shared water cooler or hydration system
• Deck-building materials (wood, nails, screws, etc.)
• GPS, compass, and map of the area
• Shelter/tent in case of inclement weather
• Shared food/snacks for group meals
• Emergency shelter

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

• Sturdy work boots or shoes
• Durable work gloves
• Weather-appropriate hat (for sun protection or warmth)
• Waterproof jacket or rain gear
• Comfortable, durable work pants
• Layers (light sweater, thermal shirt)
• High-visibility vest (if needed for safety on site)
• Extra pair of socks
• Sun-protective clothing (lightweight long-sleeve shirts)
• Insulated jacket (if colder temperatures are expected)

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: 2024-10-09

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: ​2024-10-05​ 

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?

• We worked well together, not just in getting to the worksite but also while building the deck. Everyone contributed, whether it was hammering, sawing, or measuring the materials. We helped each other with the tools, which made the construction go smoothly. Cooking outdoors was fun, and we learned more about the history of the site, which made the project feel more important. We definitely want to keep up this teamwork, positive attitudes, and focus on the construction during the Qualifying Journey. 

What was challenging? (for individuals and the team)

• The physical work of building the deck was harder than expected. Using the tools, like hammering and sawing, took more time and energy than we thought. Communicating with the site coordinators was a bit intimidating at first, and we also didn’t plan well enough for drinking enough water during the work or having all the tools we needed on hand. 

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

• We need to make sure we’re better prepared with hydration, and we should double-check that we have all the tools and materials ready. It might help to practice more with the construction skills—hammering, measuring, and using the saw—so we can work faster and more efficiently. Practicing communication with the coordinators would also help us feel more confident when we’re on-site. 

Any other comments or notes?  

• We realized that building a deck requires more skill and attention to detail than we first thought. Learning how to properly measure and cut wood, use tools safely, and work together on construction tasks was a big part of the journey. It was a great opportunity to put practical skills into action. We also found that time management was important—balancing the construction work, breaks, and meals was tricky but helped us stay on track. Overall, this experience has made us more prepared for the Qualifying Journey, and we’re excited to apply what we learned! 
   

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: ​2024-10-09​ 

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

What did you do? 

• We built a deck at a historical site in Ontario, using tools like saws, hammers, and measuring tape to put our construction skills into practice. Along with building, we walked a total of 10 kilometers over two days, learning about the site’s history and reflecting on how our project contributed to preserving it. 

What went well? What are you proud of? 

• Our teamwork really stood out. We took turns using different tools, helped each other with measurements, and worked efficiently to get the deck finished. We’re proud of how well we coordinated, especially when handling the more technical aspects like cutting and assembling the wood. We also enjoyed cooking meals together, which kept the mood positive after long hours of work. 

What was challenging? (for individuals and the team)

• Handling the construction tools took more effort and time than we expected. Hammering and sawing were physically demanding, and getting precise measurements was tricky. Communicating with the site coordinators was also a bit challenging, and making sure we had enough water and the right materials was something we could’ve planned better. 

Did you accomplish your team goal?

• Yes, we successfully built the 6×8 foot deck and gained a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the site. We met our goal of contributing to the preservation of local history and working as a team to complete a meaningful project. 

What would you do differently for future journeys?  

• We’d plan more carefully for hydration, making sure we have enough water for everyone. We’d also double-check that we have all the tools and materials ready before starting. Practicing more with the tools ahead of time would help us work faster, and improving our communication with the coordinators would make things go smoother. 
   

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

• What stood out the most was the hands-on experience of working with the tools and building something tangible. We learned how important it is to pay attention to details, like making sure the deck was level and the cuts were precise. It taught us the value of teamwork, proper planning, and how rewarding it feels to see a project come together from start to finish. 
   

Any other comments or notes?  

• The journey helped us realize that there’s more to construction than just putting things together—it’s about patience, precision, and learning from each other. We’re now more confident in our abilities and excited to use what we’ve learned in the Qualifying Journey. 
   

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: 10-04-2024 to 10-07-2024 
Award Centre: SHSM School 1
Award Leader: SHSM Lead 1
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:  SHSM Lead 1 
Date Assessment is Completed: 10-09-2024 
Assessor’s Qualifications/Experience:  Award Leader

Names of participants on this Journey:

• Red
  
• Yellow
• Blue
• Green
• Purple

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 their Practice Journey, the team did a great job preparing for their Qualifying Journey. They initially struggled with the physical demands of walking to and from the worksite, but they quickly adapted and worked well together. Their teamwork was especially strong when cooking meals outdoors and figuring out how to manage tasks at the worksite. 

They also took the time to reflect on the historical significance of the site, which helped them appreciate the purpose of their project. The group identified areas for improvement, like bringing extra water and making sure they have all the tools needed to complete the deck construction smoothly. They also found communicating with the site coordinators a bit challenging but got better as the journey progressed. 

Overall, the Practice Journey helped the team get a clear idea of what to expect in their Qualifying Journey. They learned how to manage physical and logistical challenges, which prepared them for the next step. Great effort from the team, and they’re ready to succeed in the next stage! 

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: 10-04-2024 to 10-07-2024 
Award Centre: SHSM School 1
Award Leader: SHSM Lead 1
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:  SHSM Lead 1 
Date Assessment is Completed: 10-09-2024 
Assessor’s Qualifications/Experience:  Award Leader

Names of participants on this Journey:

• Red
  
• Yellow
• Blue
• Green
• Purple

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 their Adventurous Journey, the team successfully built a deck at a historical site in Ontario. Initially nervous about the physical demands and communication with site coordinators, they quickly adapted and demonstrated impressive teamwork and resilience. They walked a total of 10 kilometers to and from the worksite, fostering camaraderie while enhancing their endurance. 

The group also engaged in meaningful discussions about the site’s historical significance, which deepened their appreciation for the cultural context of their project. They enjoyed cooking their meals together outdoors, further strengthening their collaboration and cooking skills. However, they recognized areas for improvement, such as bringing extra hydration options and planning materials more thoroughly. 

Overall, this journey was a transformative experience that not only resulted in a tangible contribution to the community but also taught the team valuable lessons about teamwork and historical preservation. Congratulations to the team for their dedication and the meaningful impact they made! 

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.