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After a Participant has registered for the appropriate level (with the help of a parent or Compass Facilitator) 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 wellbeing and personal growth. 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 ACTIVITIES THAT IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FITNESS
The Health section of The Compass Award is all about fun ways to keep your body and mind feeling great! Whether it’s sports, dance, stretching, or training your brain to stay calm, this is your chance to set goals that make you feel stronger, happier, and ready for anything. It’s not just about health—it’s about discovering what makes you feel your best. So pick something you enjoy, set a goal to grow, and watch how it boosts your mood, energy, and confidence!
YOUR GOAL SHOULD REFLECT THE IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSICAL OR MENTAL 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.
EMPOWERING PERSONAL GROWTH THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND INTERESTS.
This section is all about finding what makes you tick and getting better at stuff that’s totally you. Whether it’s learning something brand new or leveling up a skill you already have, this is your chance to dive into things you enjoy, figure out what excites you, and maybe even surprise yourself with what you can do! When you’re in that “flow” zone—fully focused and having fun—you’re building real mastery and staying engaged. Pick a skill, set a goal, and go all in. You’ll walk away with new talents, fresh ideas, and some serious bragging rights!
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 Skill should not be sport, dance, martial arts or any other activity that would fit into the Health 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 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 AWARENESS, COMPASSION AND LEADERSHIP THROUGH ENGAGEMENT IN SOCIAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES THAT CREATE POSITIVE IMPACT AND CHANGE.
This section is your chance to make a real impact and show up for what matters. Whether it’s helping your community, protecting the environment, or standing up for something you believe in, this is your chance to do what’s right and create positive change. It’s about stepping up, showing kindness, leading by example, and being someone others can count on. Pick something you care about, take action, and see the impact you can have in making the world a better place!
Before choosing an activity for the Citizenship section, take a moment to consider the needs within your community and the causes you care about—whether it’s helping others, supporting the environment, or raising awareness on important issues.
Think about how you’d like to make a positive impact, then discuss your ideas with your facilitator. They can help you decide on a meaningful, age-appropriate activity that aligns with your interests.
If your chosen activity involves visits to outside organisations, it may be necessary for your parents to be involved. Be sure to inform your facilitator of all relevant details to ensure everything is arranged smoothly and safely.
AT SCHOOL
ENVIRONMENT
SOCIAL
LOCAL
GLOBAL
TO ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY, INITIATIVE, INDEPENDENCE, ADAPTABILITY AND TEAMWORK BY STEPPING OUTSIDE OF COMFORT ZONES
This section is all about pushing your limits, exploring new places, and diving into experiences that challenge you. Whether it’s a bushwalk, camping trip, or a totally new cultural experience, this is your chance to plan, prepare, and take on a journey that’s exciting and maybe even a bit daring! Along the way, you’ll learn to handle new situations, grow more independent, and discover what you’re capable of. It’s a chance to discover more about yourself and the world around you, while creating memories and friendships along the way.
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 activity, or it may be that parents can supervise weekend or school holiday trips.
Before embarking on your adventure, it’s important to develop some essential skills and gather the right equipment to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. Training from someone experienced will help you prepare for a variety of activities, from outdoor expeditions to cultural immersions. Key preparation areas can include:
Your adventure could take many forms—a hiking expedition, a visit to a cultural site, an overnight camping experience, or an exploration of a new community. Whatever you choose, each adventure should have a clear purpose, whether it’s to challenge your physical limits, explore unfamiliar places, learn about different cultures, or work effectively as a team.
All adventures must be supervised by an adult, but you are encouraged to take the lead in planning and organising the activity, including setting goals that align with your personal growth. Discuss your ideas with your facilitator and adult Mentor, who will guide you to ensure the plan is safe and achievable. If the activity involves off-site trips, your parents may need to be involved, but your designated Mentor should ideally be someone outside your immediate family.
Day Adventures
Overnight Adventures
Cultural Adventures
Outdoor Challenge Adventures
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.