Recognising Achievement
It is important that participation in the programme is recognised and rewarded and there are a number of ways this can be achieved. It is not intended that the programme must has a formal ‘awards’ time, but that young people gain recognition for their participation in the programme as a whole.
Core Activity Awards
The core awards for the Juniors age group are the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. The table below gives information about the award scheme and the number of activities from each of the 6 Activity Areas required for each of the Awards. There is no minimum requirement in terms of time for a single activity to be completed, but that members fully participate in the chosen activity.
The table below gives information about the award scheme and the number of activities from each of the 6 Activity Areas required for each award. There is no minimum requirement in terms of time for a single activity to be completed, but that members fully participate in the chosen activity.
All the awards involve completing a minimum number of activities in each Activity Area as well as 4 additional ‘Free Choice’ activities from across the Activity Areas encouraging a balanced and varied programme, but also providing some local flexibility. With the ‘Free Choice’ activities children may choose which additional activities they wish to do, perhaps those they enjoy most, or which give them new challenges. Companies may also decide to concentrate on particular activities that reflect the skills of the leaders, equipment available or meeting space.
Project Awards
The Project Awards aim to encourage members of this age group to take on an activity for a longer period, something that will require at least 3 hours of activity. Project Awards can be gained in any of the three years in the Juniors age group and the activity can be selected from any of the 6 Activity Areas within the programme.
PROJECT AWARD EXAMPLE ACTIVITY:
Making a Bird Box
- Week 1 – Introduction/Design/Process (30 mins)
- Week 2 – Preparation/Cutting (40 mins),
- Week 3 – Basic Build (40 mins)
- Week 4 – Paint/Varnish (30 mins)
- Week 5 – Finishing/Decorate (30 mins)
- Week 6 – Locate/Evaluate (30 mins)
Total 3 hours and 20 minutes
Membership Award
The Membership Award is to be presented to new members to the age group once they have completed one activity in at least 3 Activity Areas and being introduced/inducted into the age group. Ideas for how members are introduced/ inducted into the age group will be provided through ‘Essentials’ Activity Cards which can be found on the Programme Hub, although the actual requirements for this are for the local Company to decide.
Team Leader
A Team Leader badge is available and can be used within the age group and awarded to a member who is taking responsibility for a team or group. There are no set requirements for how this badge or role is used and it is very much for the local Company to decide.
Nights Away Awards
The Nights Away Awards, in partnership with PGL, recognise and encourage overnight experiences, a key part of the programme and overall BB journey. The Nights Away awards operate across all age groups (except Anchors who are not permitted to take part in residentials) with members moving up through the awards which range from 1 to 100 nights. The awards available are for 1/3/5/10/20/30/40/50/75/100 nights away. Awards can be presented at anytime during the session. Leaders are encouraged to count up any nights away already accumulated in previous sessions before presenting the first award.
Other Ways of Recognising Achievement
In addition to awards, children could be presented with a certificate after reaching the midway point for each award or for completing an individual activity. Certificates could also be awarded for other things including taking part in an event, good attendance, being a good friend, helping out etc. Stickers will also be available for this age group and could be awarded for the completion of each award activity. Certificates, stickers and other resources are available from BB Supplies. A progression certificate is also available for when members move up from one section to the next.
Awards in Our Weekly Programme
There should not be a formal awards time in the programme as children complete the awards through participating in the programme, so it is more about identifying which parts of the programme will be recorded under the award scheme. Remember, the work of the section should be programme led, not awards driven.
Assessing Activities
There are no set levels of attainment for the activities within the award scheme, these are gained by a child participating in particular activities; no external controls are to be applied. The level of achievement will vary for each individual according to their ability and age. During a child’s time in the age group their level of skill is likely to vary greatly. The onus is on the leaders to ensure that they are fully participating and developing at an appropriate pace.