What is the Journey Section?
The Adventurous Journey section is split into three parts: Preparation and Training, a Practice Journey and a Qualifying Journey. Adventurous Journeys are different lengths depending on your Award level and there are two types of Journey to choose from. Journeys can take multiple forms – urban, bush, water, cycling, walking, horse riding and kayaking are just a few types of journey you could do.
The Journey process
Step 1: Preparation and Training
The Preparation and Training covers the things you need to know for your journeys including how to plan and prepare for a journey, navigation, survival and leadership skills. You are required to do training at each level of the Award as each level introduces new concepts and build on previous skill.
You can do this training through Auckland Challenge or another outdoor provider endorsed by The Award. You can also complete Bronze Training online at www.acorn.aucklandchallenge.org.nz
Journey 1: The Practice Journey
The Practice Journey is used to ensure you have sufficient knowledge to safely complete your Qualifying Journey. On your Practice Journey you will build on the skills you learned in the training, improve your leadership and team building and make sure you are ready for your Qualifying Journey.
You may be required to complete multiple practice journeys if you are a direct Silver/Gold, or if your supervisor believes you need additional experience
Journey 2: The Qualifying Journey
The Qualifying Journey is the final journey of your level, on the Qualifying Journey your instructor will step back allowing you and your team to have greater independence and control over the journey using the skills and learning from the Practice Journey. On your Qualifying Journey you and your team are expected to be self-sufficient and independent.
At the end of the journey you are required to present a team report on your development, learnings and experience. This can be oral, written, a video or any other format you choose! Find out more about writing a report
How long does it take?
Bronze
- Training:
- Online or a day course
- Practice:
- 2 days, 1 night
- Qualifying:
- 2 days, 1 night
Silver
- Training:
- Day course
- Practice:
- Minimum: 2 days, 1 night
- Qualifying:
- 3 days, 2 nights
Gold
- Training:
- Day course
- Practice:
- Minimum: 2 days, 1 night
- Qualifying:
- 4 days, 3 nights
Practice journeys are a minimum of 2 days and 1 night, we may require you to complete additional and/or longer practice journeys or training in order to ensure your safety if we believe you need additional experience, or you are completing a higher risk journey.
Where you can you do your journey?
Journey Partners
Auckland Challenge works with a range of providers to make journeys available to our participants. These are often organised with discounts, and exclusive dates.
Award Providers
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has a large range of Journey providers, you can do your Journey with any Recognised Activity Provider or Award Unit.
Plan Your Own
You may able to organise your own journey. For more information on how to organise your own journey have a look at our resources on ACORN, or schedule a meeting with us
Online Training
You can complete Bronze Training fully online at your own pace through ACORN – our online training platform. This course covers all the Bronze requirements.
Before you start any activity for your Award, including Journeys and Residential it MUST be uploaded into your Online Record Book and sent for approval before you start. If an activity is not approved before you begin the activity you CANNOT count it for your Award.