The Principles
To introduce young people to some form of purposeful enterprise in the company of others who are not known to them.
Benefits to Young People
The Residential Project should give young people the opportunity to:
Requirements
To undertake a shared activity or specific course in a residential setting away from home and in an unfamiliar environment.
Participants will normally require briefing or training prior to or during the residential period so that they are able to contribute fully and derive full benefit from the experience.
General Conditions
Where and What?
Residential settings may typically be in centres, youth hostels, sailing ships or camps. Staying with a family or 'home stays' are not generally acceptable.
The type of residential experience is to be the young person's own choice, freely made and without any financial gain.
The Project should provide opportunities for broadening interest and experience - it is the ideal opportunity to try something new. Under some circumstances, however, it may be related to existing interests or activities being followed in other Sections of the Award, but will be additional to the requirements for that Section. Practice journeys and qualifying ventures for the Expeditions Section cannot be regarded as a Residential Project.
With Whom?
In order to fulfil the objectives of the Residential Project, it is probably most beneficial for participants to join projects individually. Alternatively, only a small minority of those taking part should be known to the participant. To ensure that young people make new friends and build new relationships, this aspect is essential.
For How Long?
The project should normally take place over at least five consecutive days with at least four nights spent away.
In exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of the Operating Authority, this commitment can be spread over two weekends provided that they involve at least
Four nights away within a twelve month period and the same activity is pursued.
Suitable Opportunities
Some participants may choose projects where the majority of participants are of their own age group whilst others may choose to be part of a small team working with young children or elderly people.
Residential opportunities can offer a range of challenges, but before making a choice, the main purpose must be clear. For example, physical activities can develop personal skills such as problem solving and a sense of achievement, whilst a drama course can improve communication skills and confidence.
With adequate planning and sufficient time allocated for reviewing and reflection, benefits and outcomes can be achieved through most types of Residential Project.
Suitable opportunities generally fall into one of the categories listed below. Further examples can be found in the Award Journal, Programmes File and on this site in the 'Opportunities' zone.
Preparation Prior to Attending
Discussion with the Award Leader or helper prior to making a choice will enable participants to think through the value of a particular opportunity for personal development.
The project must comply with the safety criteria of the Operating Authority and the requirements and conditions of the Award. Participants should seek guidance and approval from their Operating Authority before making a final commitment.
Once the choice of Residential Project has been made, individual participants should contact the relevant organisation or course organiser to inform them of their wish for the experience to count towards their Award and to confirm further details.
Before attending, each participant should identify a suitable assessor, approved by the Operating Authority, who will be in close regular contact throughout the period of residence check appropriate insurance is in place.
The assessor should be briefed about the requirements and aims of the Residential Project and given a copy of the relevant Sectional Leaflet.
Assessment
On arrival at the venue, the participant should remind the course leader or instructor that the project will form part of their Gold Award. A meeting should be arranged with the assessor during and at the end of the project to review progress and discuss issues related to the experience.
Young people should be assessed on:
They should also have the opportunity to review the quality of their experience with their assessor or mentor.
The assessor should complete the Record Book. The participant may add their own comments if they so wish.
Click HERE for info on companies who can provide activities or courses for this Section.
Click HERE to find the current list of opportunities.