The new edition of our handbook has now been printed and available to all new and existing members at the cost of £1.00 only. To get your copy please use the official order form or ask for a copy when you next need to buy a record book, badge or certificate.
The challenges of The Discovery Award are non competitive, you progress at your own pace and within your own capabilities, whilst having fun and enjoying yourself at the same time. You will meet new people and make new friends.
There is no maximum time limit for each challenge only a minimum. This is to promote a real sense of commitment to to your chosen challenge.
There are three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold - each with an agreed time span and leading to its own certificate and badge.
Any service which helps others is acceptable: for example, Red Cross, visiting the elderly, committee work, working with voluntary youth organisations, conservation - the demand for volunteers is endless , so the choice is yours!
This should involve some physical activity, but the limits are set by your own health and ability. Start slowly for your Bronze and work up to your Gold. For example, you might choose to do archery, cycling, badminton, table tennis, golf, wheelchair sports. gardening, dancing, snooker or darts etc.
Please note the time scale for the Silver and Gold Awards are the same because some recreational activities can be affected by seasonal restrictions.
You might like to take up a new interest or develop an old one. The choice is vast: writing, gardening, collecting stamps or postcards, reading, cinema or T.V, music, languages, painting or drawing, photography, local history or architecture, abseiling or palientology - you name it, you can do it!
You can travel anywhere, in your mind at home, in the comfort of your own armchair, through books, pictures, your television or computer; or abroad, on foot, bicycle or car, train or tram, ship or plane, canoe or horseback. Discover far away places or local landmarks, even your family tree. Your Journey of Discovery can be physical, visual, spiritual or knowledgeable. Which ever you choose it must have a clearly defined purpose with time scales and a challenge appropriate to that level of The Award. You must keep a record of your preparation and what you did, to submit for your award.
Advanced planning - including purpose of your journey.
Essential preparation - including adequate training where necessay and relevant.
Travel Arrangements - where relevant.
Research - using books, internet, television, travel agents etc.
Throughout the preparation and duration of your journey, a record of your progress can be kept in a variety of formats.
Discoverers may choose to travel to another country or to a different area in which they have an interest and wish to visit with a definate purpose in mind. It could also involve an expedition in Wild or Semi Wild Country. iN THIS CASE recognised Safety Guidelines and Procedures must be followed. Time Scales vary for each level.
BRONZE The Journey should be at least two consecutive days with at least 12 hours of planned activity. Appropriate preparation should be included in the planning.
GOLD The journey should be over at least six consecutive days and include at least 36 hours of planned activity. This may be in three sets of two consecutive days or two sets of three consecutive days. Appropriate preparation should be included in the planning.
Discoverers who would prefer not to undertake a Physical Journey such as shown above can research and plan journeys to local places of interest or to anywhere else in the world. Details can be put together to make an account of activities that could be undertaken. It would also include the period of time that would be necessary to make the proposed trip. You could plan to visit places which can be linked together in some way such as places with historic or literary connections, or somewhere you knew in the past. You could research your Family Tree illustrating it with a scrapbook. The range of opportunities is enormous.
How did your journey extend your capabilities, knowledge or interests?
The Assessor for the Journey of Discovery should be satisfied that the participant has undertaken the challenge in keeping ewith their capabilities.
The Assessor should also be satisfied that the stated purpose and Discovery elements have been met in full.
The Discovery Award encourages you to take up new pastimes whilst recognising that your ability to undertake certain things might become restricted as your age changes. It will however accept that new challenges do not necessarily mean completely new projects at each or any level. Sometimes we all need to revisit certain places or opportunities. Perhaps take up old skills or continue where we left off!