The AJ Navigator is regularly maintained, and many of its resources are updated to provide the most current information. To stay up to date, please check-in regularly to ensure you have access to the latest resources and tools. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
The Adventurous Journey Navigator The Adventurous Journey Library Grants & OpportunitiesGeneral Questions About the Adventurous Journey
The focus of the AJ is to challenge participants to work with a team of peers to plan, prepare and undertake their Practice and Qualifying Journeys working through real challenges posed by the wider environment. All journeys and teams must train and adequately prepare so they are able to deal with any situations that may arise.
Teams focus the planning of their journey around the group goal they set. The group goal will include information on what will be learnt/accomplished and what activities will be done to reach the goal. Journeys will be comprised of purposeful activity which may include time spent journeying, cooking, data gathering/researching, learning, creating etc. and it does not include leisure time and sleep. After the journey has concluded teams must debrief and reflect on their experiences. Teams can decide if a report or presentation is necessary, which can be incorporated into their team goal if agreed upon.
AJ’s are not limited to wilderness environments; they can take place in urban or rural settings, offering diverse activities such as cycling between cities, exploring historical sites, or engaging in environmental studies. 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 the group Leader/Assessor. Other forms of motorized transport that do not require one’s own effort may be used, but only to get to and from start/end points and cannot be included as part of required Purposeful Activity time.
Overall, the AJ requires initiative, communication and perseverance. It provides teams with a sense of accomplishment, self-reliance and discovery. With suitable training, planning and supervision, the AJ section aims to safely take young people out of their comfort zone and promotes experiencing new challenges in a team setting.
Using the AJ Navigator is straightforward and user-friendly. Simply visit our website and navigate to the designated AJ Navigator section. Once there, you’ll find a range of tools and resources tailored to guide you through each stage of the Adventurous Journey. Whether you’re a participant or an adult delivering the Award, the AJ Navigator offers step-by-step guidance, planning templates, safety protocols, and best practices to ensure a smooth and successful journey experience. From setting goals to conducting debrief sessions, the AJ Navigator equips you with everything you need to plan, execute, and review your journey effectively. Explore the various sections and utilize the provided materials to support your journey preparation and execution. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Support Centre.
View the video below for a visual walkthrough demonstrating how to utilize the AJ Navigator. Navigate to the FAQ sections below to explore video tutorials on using Stage 1, 2 and 3.
If participants or Award Centres have already begun planning their Adventurous Journey (AJ) and new updates are subsequently released, they do not need to re-plan their AJ. The updates are typically designed to enhance the experience or address any emerging concerns, but they are not meant to disrupt ongoing preparations. Participants and Award Centres can continue with their existing plans, with an option to incorporate any relevant updates as necessary to ensure they are aligned with the latest guidelines or requirements. It’s important to stay informed about any changes and make adjustments accordingly, but there’s no need to start over if planning is already underway.
The AJ Navigator is a new tool designed to streamline and consolidate all Adventurous Journey (AJ) related resources in one accessible platform. Its purpose is to make the AJ experience smoother and more efficient for both participants and adults delivering the Award. It is a comprehensive and centralized platform that combines all AJ-related tools, guidelines, and support materials into a single, accessible platform.
On this platform you will find guidelines, resources, templates, outlines, best practices, examples and more to assist with successfully and safely completing each stage of the AJ. The AJ Navigator categorizes these resources into three main phases:
- Stage 1 – Plan: Preparation & Planning: Resources for pre-journey preparation, such as safety plans, accommodation options, and packing lists.
- Stage 2 – Do the Journey: Practice Journey & Qualifying Journey: Information for the Practice Journey and Qualifying Journey, including schedules, goals, planning guides, budgets, and debriefing reports.
- Stage 3 – Review & Debrief the Journey: Guidance for reflecting on the journey and learning from the experience.
The AJ is designed to be adaptable and inclusive, and your Award Leader will help ensure that your AJ experience is both challenging and achievable. If you require a flexibility to successfully complete your Adventurous Journey, the first step is to reach out to your Award Leader, it’s important to communicate your needs early in the planning process. They will provide guidance and support in assessing your specific needs and working with you to determine the most appropriate flexibilities.
Yes, participants working on different levels of the Award can go on the same Adventurous Journey trip. It’s important to ensure that all requirements for both levels are met and that the challenge is appropriate for all team members. This might mean that Bronze participants may need to complete additional tasks to meet the requirements than Silver participants would. It’s never an issue to do more than the minimum requirements on your Adventurous Journey. This allows participants at different Award levels to collaborate and share the experience, provided the specific requirements for each level are fulfilled.
No, a family trip cannot count as an Adventurous Journey. The purpose of the Adventurous Journey is to encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery, develop leadership, team skills and decision-making, while undertaking a self-sufficient journey in a small team. This section of the Award must be undertaken in a team of peers to develop group work skills and team building. Family vacations do not qualify for the Adventurous Journey.
Yes, your journey can take place anywhere. Our program encourages participants to explore and undertake their journeys in different locations, both within and outside of Canada. However, it’s important to ensure that you follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by the program and obtain any necessary approvals for international journeys such as travel arrangements, cultural understanding and safety measures, to make your adventure both fulfilling and rewarding.
- Participants can reach out directly for support from their Award Leader/Award Centre if they need help or have questions.
- Adults Delivering the Award should reach out to their Account Manager or the Support Centre at support@dukeofed.org
Stage 1: Plan the Journey
To use Stage 1 of the AJ Navigator, navigate to the designated section on our website. Once there, you’ll find comprehensive resources and guidelines to help you effectively plan and prepare for your Adventurous Journey.
This stage focuses on laying the groundwork for your journey, including setting goals, selecting activities, and ensuring you have the necessary skills and resources for a safe and successful experience. Utilize the provided materials, such as planning templates and safety guidelines, to tailor your journey to your specific needs and objectives.
View the video below for a visual walkthrough demonstrating how to utilize Stage 1 of the AJ Navigator.
To choose an Adventurous Journey that suits your needs, the AJ Navigator provides considerations for selecting the right type of AJ, whether it’s urban, standard, virtual or other options. If you’re an individual participant without an AJ team, you can also access resources within the Navigator to help you find or plan an AJ that will work for you. Be sure to refer to the Overview of the Adventurous Journey Options outline document under the AJ Navigator for step-by-step guidance to choose your AJ effectively. Additionally, it’s advisable to reach out to your Award Leader about your options or consider utilizing a Trained Activity Provider or Service Provider for your journey, ensuring that you have all the support you need to embark on a fulfilling AJ experience.
The AJ Navigator provides resources and guidance for completing virtual or semi-virtual Adventurous Journeys for Bronze and Silver Award levels. Participants will need to reach out to their Award Leader to see if a virtual/semi-virtual option is available to them.
Award Leaders can access tools and information to support delivery of the virtual and semi-virtual AJ experiences. Please note that, even in a virtual or semi-virtual setting, the Adventurous Journey remains a team activity.
Your AJ Supervisor* is a critical figure for your journey’s safety and success. They must meet specific criteria:
- Must be present on both the Practice and Qualifying Journeys.
- Should be suitably qualified, competent, and experienced in supervising Adventurous Journeys.
- Must have expertise (or qualification, as per the province’s legislation) in the mode of journey being used and familiarity in the terrain and location that the journey is taking place.
- Responsible for participant safety while on the journey, needs to be familiar with the Award standards and must be satisfied that all team members are properly prepared and suitably competent to undertake the chosen Adventurous Journey.
Note: Examples of potential supervisors include teachers, mentors, group leaders, instructors, volunteer coordinators, coaches, community members or family friends. In some cases, with the agreement of the group leader, a family member can take on this role. This option is available for the Virtual Award Center (VAC).
Assessors are chosen by the participant and are adults who are knowledgeable and experienced in the Adventurous Journey activity. Assessors act as mentors and work with participants for the duration of their Adventurous Journey. Participants are encouraged to reach out to their networks to find connections to potential Assessors.
An Assessor must be:
- Suitably qualified, competent, and/or experienced to undertake the role.
- Experienced in the activity and able to provide mentorship.
- Confirmed by the Award Leader to ensure they are an appropriate choice.
Note: Examples of potential assessors may include teachers, mentors, leaders, instructors, volunteer coordinators, coaches, community members, or family friends. Immediate family members cannot be Assessors for any section of the Award.
The AJ Navigator offers guidance on selecting suitable transportation options for your AJ. It emphasizes the use of transportation modes that require your own effort, such as cycling, walking, using a wheelchair, paddling, sailing and similar activities. 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.
Getting the right equipment for your Adventurous Journey (AJ) is essential for a safe and successful experience. Here are steps to help you obtain the necessary equipment:
- Assessment: Begin by assessing your journey’s requirements. Consider the terrain, climate, and duration, and identify the specific equipment you’ll need, such as camping gear, navigation tools, clothing, or specialty equipment like a kayak or bicycle. The AJ Navigator provides resources and guidelines related to equipment for different types of journeys, and the Planning guide offers a backpacking list as a helpful reference.
- Consult the adults delivering the Award: Reach out to your Award Leader or mentor for guidance. They can provide recommendations on suitable equipment based on the nature of your AJ and help you create a list of necessary items.
- Borrow or Rent: If you’re new to AJ or don’t want to invest in expensive equipment, explore options to borrow or rent gear. Check with family, friends, local outdoor stores, community organizations, or clubs that may offer equipment lending programs.
- Purchase or Share: Depending on your budget and commitment to AJ activities, you might decide to invest in your own equipment. If you’re part of a team, consider sharing equipment to reduce costs and make the best use of resources.
- Safety and Quality: Ensure that any equipment you use is safe, in good condition, and suitable for the terrain and conditions you’ll encounter. It’s crucial that all safety-related gear, such as first aid kits and communication devices, is in working order.
Stage 2: Do the Journey
To use Stage 2 of the AJ Navigator, first ensure you have completed Stage 1 and are familiar with its functionalities. Once in Stage 2, you’ll primarily focus on executing the Practice Journey and Qualifying Journey. Utilize the best practices provided to guide your team through the process ensuring you discuss what effective teamwork, supervision and safety protocols look like on your journey. Don’t forget to debrief your Practice Journey and make any necessary adjustments to your plans before going on your Qualifying Journey.
View the video below for a visual walkthrough demonstrating how to utilize Stage 2 of the AJ Navigator.
A minimum of four participants is typically required. If at the last minute, a participant drops out , it may be necessary to postpone or reschedule the journey to meet this minimum requirement. Here is how to navigate such situations.
- Communication: First and foremost, maintain open communication with your Award Leader and/or Adults Delivering the Award. Inform them as soon as possible about the team member’s withdrawal and discuss the reasons for it.
- Assess Impact: Assess how the team member’s departure will impact the overall AJ. Evaluate your team’s goals, transportation arrangements, accommodations and safety measures to determine what adjustments may be necessary.
- Adapt the Goal: Depending on the remaining team members and available resources, you might need to modify your team goal to make it achievable with the reduced team size. Your Leader or Assessor can provide guidance on setting a new, realistic goal.
- Document the Changes: Keep records of any changes made to the AJ plan, including updated goals, schedules, and safety plans. These changes should be documented and discussed during the debriefing stage.
- Safety First: Ensure that the safety and well-being of the remaining team members are the top priority. Make sure that any new arrangements or accommodations are safe and in compliance with AJ guidelines.
In the event of unfavorable weather forecasts, safety is of utmost importance. The Supervisor and team should assess the situation, and if conditions are deemed unsafe, they may need to postpone or modify the journey to ensure the safety of all participants.
Stage 3: Review the Journey
To use Stage 3 of the AJ Navigator effectively, you’ll be focusing on reviewing and debriefing the journey experience. This stage is crucial for reflecting on what went well, what could be improved, and the overall impact of the journey on the team. Start by scheduling a debrief session with your team and your AJ Supervisor/Assessor. Use the provided resources, such as the Adventurous Journey group debriefing report, to help guide your discussion. Additionally, ensure completed Practice and Qualifying Journey Assessor Reports are included on the Online Record Book before submitting for final approval.
View the video below for a visual walkthrough demonstrating how to utilize Stage 3 of the AJ Navigator.
It’s important to complete the debrief as soon as you’ve finished the journey to ensure everything remains fresh in your heads. We suggest building this time at the end of your Practice and Qualifying Journey before everyone departs. Your debrief will need to include everyone on the team including your Assessor/Supervisor.
All group members must have a completed Assessor Report submitted on the ORB for both the Practice Journey and the Qualifying Journey. The Practice Journey Assessor Report is completed by the AJ Supervisor and the Qualifying Journey Assessor Report by the AJ Assessor. The report can be manually uploaded by the participant or sent digitally to your Supervisor/Assessor to complete.
If decided upon by your team and with your Award Leader, your team can upload items such as planning materials, pictures, and an AJ report. If your team decides to do an AJ report, using a format agreed upon, create and deliver a joint report, video, presentation, diary etc. and submit it to your Assessor.
Your team is encouraged to keep a record of your experiences and insights during the journey by taking notes, capturing memories, taking photos/videos, documenting group discussions and what has been learned along the way.
When preparing for the review and debrief, having tangible notes and documentation helps your team reflect on challenges faced, achievements gained and lessons learned, making the debrief process more comprehensive and insightful.
This not only helps with the debrief, but also enriches the present journey by offering a time for ongoing reflection and acts as a valuable resource for the future.
In your team’s review, it is important to take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown throughout the journey in whichever way your team sees fit. Consider how your experiences align with the Award program’s objectives. Your team can utilize the Debriefing Report document to guide you through with ideas.
