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After a Participant has registered for the appropriate level (with the help of a parent or Award Coordinator) they can start their The Compass Award journey.
PARTICIPANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TRY NEW THINGS AND LEARN NEW SKILLS. ALONG THE WAY THEY WILL HELP OTHERS, MAKE FRIENDS AND DISCOVER SKILLS AND TALENTS THEY NEVER KNEW THEY HAD.
The structure of the program gives Participants the chance to develop in key areas contributing to their overall wellbeing. The Award Sections are designed specifically to
Participants may choose activities that they are already involved in or activities that are completely new to them. It is not necessary to have identified all activities at the start. Participants may commence their Sections at any time.
To achieve The Compass Award at any Level, young people create a unique program of activities (for a set length of time) across four Sections:
To encourage participation in physical recreation and improvement in physical fitness and performance.
This section of The Compass Award allows you to have a go at a new fitness activity, or focus on developing a physical activity you already do. The purpose is to establish a positive attitude to physical activity, to gain satisfaction from meeting the challenge and to lay the pattern for an ongoing active lifestyle.
Your goal should reflect the improvement in physical ability you are aiming for in your chosen activity.
You are required to show perseverance and commitment through ongoing involvement, and needs to be taught by a suitably qualified or experienced adult. As your knowledge and skills improve, enjoyment levels will increase as well!
It is essential that you show regular commitment, and that you complete the majority of the required hours in your own time.
To encourage development of personal interests and practical skills.
In this part of the program, you are encouraged to follow your own interests in non-physical hobbies and leisure activities. To begin with, some time will be spent finding out what is available in the area you are in, and this is where your Coordinator can guide you. Have a go at an activity that interests you, and provides you with the opportunity to build on existing skills or develop new skills.
Your goal should reflect your aim to improve your ability in this activity.
You are required to show perseverance and commitment through ongoing involvement, and need to be taught by a suitably qualified or experienced adult. Remember, this activity must be non-physical, so that means your Hobby should not be sport, dance, martial arts or any other activity that would fit into the Physical Activity section.
You may choose an activity which will be done independently or within a group situation.
The choice should involve some challenge and result in you gaining new skills and knowledge. You may take on a new hobby or skill for each Level, or spend more than one Level on a particular choice. If using the same activity for a new Level, change your goal.
It is your decision, but make sure your choice offers new experiences and challenges!
Much will depend on what is available in the community and the costs which may be part of the activity.
To develop and encourage a sense of community spirit and responsibility to others.
This section is based on the belief that all members of a community should appreciate and understand the roles that paid and voluntary workers provide to the broader community. In addition, this section is designed for you to develop a sense of community and a feeling of responsibility to others. In this way it is hoped that you will develop a lifetime commitment to community involvement.
Before choosing an activity, have a think about what services are out there providing assistance to others, and how you would like to get involved in your community (either at school or in your wider community).
After this stage, you should discuss your areas of interest with your Coordinator who can assist you to decide on a suitable task which is age-appropriate and interesting. If the activity involves visits to outside groups, then it may be necessary for parents to be involved.
You should inform your Coordinator about relevant details.
Participants should provide useful service. Learn more about community groups by inviting speakers to school or making visits to local venues:
CFA, SES, Service Clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Apex, Ambulance Service, Public Library, Pre-School, Park Rangers, RSPCA, Hospital, Senior Citizens’ Club, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Nursing Homes, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, National Trust, Conservation Groups.
AT SCHOOL
CHILDREN
ENVIRONMENT
FUNDRAISING
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Participate in, for example:
To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery.
This is an exciting and challenging section which offers you the chance to arrange an adventure away from home which needs some planning, training and teamwork!
The trip must have a goal, other than just journeying to a certain destination.
Your goal should reflect the purpose you are aiming to achieve. Your objective might be to find out more about a location, its history or geography. Therefore, it would be suitable to write a brief report or give a talk to your Mentor or class about what you have discovered during your travels! Often school camps will provide a suitable framework for this expedition, or it may be that parents can supervise weekend or school holiday trips.
Before you head out on your journey, you will need to receive some basic training from someone who is experienced. This is to ensure that you are well prepared for your journey, and includes the following:
All explorations must be supervised by an adult, but you need to show initiative and take charge of the Exploration (with guidance when needed). All trips should have a purpose which is clearly defined before you begin the activity.
You must undertake planning of your journey in consultation with the adult who is going to be your Mentor. You must also consult with the adult/s who will be going with you and supervising you to make sure that your planning suits them. The person who supervises you may be a parent, however your parent should not be your Mentor.
WALKING
CANOEING
CYCLING
CITY/LOCAL SITES
School camps and excursions will also provide many opportunities, but remember – you need to be involved in planning and running your exploration!
Our mission is to positively enhance the development of young Victorian’s by engaging them in a program of self-discovery and learning that enhances their opportunities and exposes them to experiences they might not otherwise had. With a strategic focus on disadvantaged and marginalised youth we aim to ensure that all Young Victorian’s have access to The Compass Award and it’s benefits, regardless of background or circumstance.
Awards Victoria Ltd is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation. It recognises, respects and promotes children’s rights and is committed to protecting and empowering children who come into contact with the organisation. At Awards Victoria Ltd children are to be listened to, taken seriously and treated with sensitivity and compassion.
Awards Victoria Ltd acknowledges that children’s safety is the responsibility of the whole community and recognises its own responsibilities in keeping children safe from abuse. It has a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse.
Awards Victoria Ltd values diversity and will not tolerate discriminatory practices. It recognises the vulnerabilities of particular groups of children and pays particular attention to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, and the safety of children with a disability.