Residential Project: Basics

The aim of the Residential Project (Gold level only) is to broaden young people's experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting together with some form of purposeful enterprise in the company of others who are not known to them.

Aim of the Residential Project

To broaden young people's experiences through involvement with others in a residential setting.

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:

• meet new people

• experience an unfamiliar environment

• build new relationships and show concern for others

• work as part of a team towards shared goals

• accept responsibility for self and others

• develop communication skills

• show initiative

• enjoy living and working with others

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?
  ><strong>The project should normally take place over at least five consecutive days with at least four nights spent away.

• 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 following categories:
  >• conservation or environmental work<br>• service to others
  >• activity based<br>• personal training