Deliver

Who is an Assessor

An Assessor is an adult who mentors and guides Award participants throughout their chosen activities. They must be an adult who is knowledgeable and experienced in the chosen activity, and cannot be an immediate family member.

 

Group of youth volunteers and their mentor

Award participant standing at an origami booth

Why is an Assessor Important?

Mentorship is a key aspect of the Assessor’s role in the Award. Through mentorship and guidance, they help participants set challenging and realistic goals, gives feedback, and verifies the activity has been completed. Learning to connect with mentors is an important skill for the Award and for life. Building strong relationships with Assessors will provide participants with many benefits including direct support for their chosen activity, enhancing their networks, and maintaining a solid list of references to connect with for future opportunities.

Two youth volunteers doing a cleanup

How Can an Assessor Be Found?

Often, an Assessor is someone a participant already knows – a teacher at or outside of school, a volunteer coordinator, a trainer or coach, a community member, or a family friend. An Assessor might directly teach or supervise a participant in their activity, and can also be someone a participant goes to for guidance and to ask questions even if they are not directly involved in the activity. Participants need to choose a different Assessor for each Award activity. Assessors cannot be immediate family members. Participants who are unsure of who to ask to be their Assessor are encouraged to reach out to their networks to see if anyone they know can connect them to someone who would be suitable.

Award Leaders determine if the proposed Assessor is suitable for the participant’s chosen activity.

What Does an Assessor Need to Do?

At a minimum, an Assessor needs to:

All Assessors must be knowledgeable and experienced in a participant’s chosen activity so they can offer appropriate guidance. Assessors must also understand the requirements of the Award section they are verifying but they do not need to complete specific Award training.

  • Help participants set SMART goals

  • Be available to check-in and provide ongoing support to the participant*

  • Submit a short report on the progress a participant has made once the required number of weeks are complete

*Participants are responsible for arranging regular check-ins with their Assessors.

Download our Assessor Information Sheet for an overview of how being an Assessor helps empowers young Canadians to become the best version of themselves.

 

Download