Award SMART Goals

Explore our collection of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Smart Goals and find your next challenge

A perfect goal for Other in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category for teenagers 14-18 years old to complete in 3, 6 or 12 months is: To participate in a one-week outdoor exploration trip and learn essential wilderness skills such as navigation, first aid and Leave No Trace principles within 6 months. I will attend weekly classes on wilderness safety and skills for 1 hour and read a book about basic wilderness skills for an additional 2 hours every week. I will also join a wilderness adventure club and take part in activities such as hiking and camping in order to practice the skills I have learned.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Surveying National / Wildlife Park

Goal for Horse Riding in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category: To increase my horse riding skills by participating in a 3 day horse riding expedition within 6 months. I will attend horse riding classes twice a week for 1 hour and will practice at home for an additional 3 hours per week. I will also compete in a horse riding competition to demonstrate my improved skillset and technical abilities.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Hiking

My goal for Bushwalking in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category is to become an experienced bushwalker by completing at least three multi-day bushwalking expeditions over the course of 12 months. I will plan for each expedition to include travel, navigation, camping and extended walks in varying terrain. I will resist the urge to speed hike and instead focus on spending quality time in the natural environment and getting to know the terrain. I will take courses to learn basic bushwalking skills and other wilderness survival techniques, such as how to read a map, how to identify edible plants, and how to build shelters, and plan to practice these skills while on my expeditions.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Bushwalking

My goal for Kayaking in Expedition under Adventurous Journey is to pass my Level 4 kayaking certification within 6 months. I will attend a kayaking lesson once per week for one hour and I will practice for two additional hours for a total of 15 hours per month. I will also participate in an online learning program to increase my knowledge of kayaking safety and equipment maintenance. I will track my progress with a journal and an online tracking system. I will also join a local kayaking club to compete with others and learn more techniques. By the end of 6 months I will have the skill set to obtain my Level 4 certification.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Horse Riding

My goal for Hiking in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category for teenagers aged 14-18 years old is to complete a 3-day hiking expedition within 6 months. In order to reach my goal, I will attend a hiking expedition class twice a week for 1 hour and practice on my own for an additional 2 hours per week. Additionally, I will plan for and take at least one mini-hiking expedition of one day-long during the 6-month period. Finally, I will monitor my progress by tracking my progress and performance in the class, and keep a log of my hikes and the skills I learn.

Dog Sledding, Adventurous Journey, Expedition

My goal for Cycling in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category is to complete a 300-mile cycling expedition within 3 months, while also learning basic emergency preparedness and first aid skills. I will choose a route for the expedition and will practice rides of increasing length at least twice a week for 1 hour, wearing all the necessary safety equipment. I will also attend an emergency preparedness and first aid course and learn the fundamentals before I embark on the expedition.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Cross country sking

My goal for Canoeing in a Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category is: To become an experienced canoeist by completing a long-distance canoeing expedition of at least 500 miles within 6 months. I will attend a certified canoeing course 2 times per week for 1 hour and practice an additional 3 hours per week by going on local trips. I will also research safety guidelines and use of special navigation and camping gear, including canoe hatchets, maps and compasses, etc. to improve my skills and reach my ultimate goal.

Bushwalking, Adventurous Journey, Expedition

My goal for Other in Virtual Bronze Exploration (VBE) under Adventurous Journey Category is to become a certified scuba diver within 3 months. As part of this goal, I will participate in an online PADI scuba diver course and gain hands on experience during open water dives. I will continue to build on my knowledge and practice by participating in a minimum of three guided scuba dives and committing to at least four hours of deep water solo dives each month. I will also take part in a deep water photography course to further enhance my skills and understanding of the underwater environment.

Virtual Bronze Exploration (VBE), Virtual, Adventurous Journey

For Other in Expedition, a perfect Goal for teenagers 14-18 years old that can be completed within 3, 6, or 12 months is: To become an expert in Expedition techniques by completing a minimum of three expeditions and participating in a minimum of one overnight backpacking trip throughout natural areas within 12 months. I will attend an Expedition-focused class at least twice a week for an hour and will practice outdoors in natural areas at least once a week for an additional 2 hours per week.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Surfing

Goal for Cultural Trips in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category for teenagers aged 14-18 years old within 3 months: To learn valuable cultural insights to 3 new countries by taking 3 cultural trips within 3 months and participate in cultural activities such as food, local music, and historic sites. In order to achieve this goal, I will research and plan each trip prior to taking it, set aside a budget for the trip, and strive to get the most out of each cultural experience. I will also ask friends and family for guidance and advice to ensure that I make the most of each cultural venture and learn from each experience.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Other

Goal for Historical Trip in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category: To become knowledgeable in the history of 3-5 different countries within 6 months by participating in at least 3 historical trips to each country. I will review course materials and historical documents both independently and in conjunction with a group or guided tour. I will devote 2 hours per week of study to complete this goal.

Exploration, Cultural Trips, Adventurous Journey

My goal for Rock Climbing in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category for teenagers aged 14-18 is to climb an intermediate to difficult-difficulty rock climbing route within 6 months. To achieve this, I will attend rock climbing lessons once a week for 2 hours, practice climbing at an indoor gym for 1 hour twice a week, and join intermediate to difficult-level rock climbing trips once a month. Additionally, I will practice outside on weekends and redpoint routes of increasing difficulty until I reach my goal. Upon completion of my goal, I will set a new and higher goal.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Rafting

My goal for Rock Climbing in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category is to climb at least three different rock climbing routes with various difficulty levels within 3 months. I will attend rock climbing classes twice a week for 1 hour and will also practice at home for an additional 2 hours per week. I will focus on improving my technical skills, strength, balance, and endurance. To measure my progress, I will keep track of my climbing times and difficulty ratings.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Orienteering

I will review my goals and track my progress every month to ensure I am on track to achieve my goal. My goal for Virtual Bronze Exploration (VBE) under the Adventurous Journey category is to explore one virtual world and create a 3D virtual environment that accurately reflects the external world within 3 months. I will attend at least one session of VBE each week for 1.5 hours and will spend an additional 1 hour per week researching, creating, and customizing my virtual environment online. I will track my progress every week to ensure I am on track to achieve my goal by the end of the three months. I will also complete two free challenges provided by VBE to explore different functions and gain additional virtual experience.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Other

My goal is to become an accomplished rower in Expedition’s Adventure Journey category within 12 months. To achieve this goal, I will attend a rowing class twice a week for 1 hour and practice additional exercises like yoga and stretching for my upper body strength and core stability. I will also practice rowing on an ergometer or water twice a week for 1 hour. I will regularly review my rowing technique with my coach and use a rowing simulator to improve my technique. Finally, I will also participate in a rowing competition at least once every 3 months.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Rock Climbing

My goal for Sailing in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category is to confidently sail a 12-footer sailboat for a minimum of 2 hours within 3 months. I will attend sailing course once a week for 3 hours and practice at home for an additional 2 hours per week. I will meet with a qualified sailing coach or instructor regularly to practice and improve my sailing skills. I will work to perfect all the sailing maneuvers, from tacking and gybing to anchoring and mooring. Once I have achieved this goal, I will also aim to complete a 2-hour sailing journey that includes destinations on both sides of a river, lake or sea.

Rowing, Adventurous Journey, Expedition

Goal for Scientific Exploration in the Exploration under Adventurous Journey category: To become knowledgeable in one scientific field relating to Exploration in Adventure by researching and creating a project within 3 months. I will participate in an online scientific exploration course for 2 hours per week, and devote at least 4 hours per week of independent research. I will create a detailed presentation outlining my experience, learning and research within the given timeframe.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Rock Climbing

My goal is to become an proficient surfer by participating in at least one surfing event within 3 months. I will attend a surf school twice a week for 2 hours, practice at home for an additional 1 hour per week and gain knowledge on the principles of surfing and coastal safety, within 6 months. In order to track my progress I will be committing to an online journal, which will track my number of waves completed, quality of turns, difficulty of tricks and overall ability. I will also use the journal to set weekly and monthly objectives to ensure regular improvement within 12 months.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Sailing

My goal is to become an advanced Dog Sledding Expeditioner within 12 months by participating in at least two different Dog Sledding expeditions of 5-7 day duration. I will attend weekly practice sessions for 4 hours, as well as work on honing my skills as a musher by studying related texts and watching expert demonstrations on dog sledding. I will also commit to take part in at least four competitions within the 12 months and will strive to obtain a place in the top three at each of them.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Cycling

My goal for Rafting in Expedition under Adventurous Journey Category is to improve my overall rafting skills by participating in at least one 6-day rafting expedition within 6 months. My goal is to demonstrate an acceptable skill level and teamwork with other rafters by the end of the expedition. I will attend a class or practice session twice a week for 1 hour and will practice at home for an additional 2 hour per week. I will also read general knowledge and safety information about rafting and document the whole process by taking photos, videos or journals.

Expedition, Kayaking, Adventurous Journey

Goal for Surveying National/Wildlife Park in Exploration under an Adventurous Journey category for teenagers 14-18 years old within 3 months: To gain knowledge and better understanding of the geological, geographic, and ecological features of a National/Wildlife Park by completing 4 surveying expeditions within 3 months. I will actively participate in every field survey by attending all pre-planned hikes, recording and carefully documenting various sound, visual and geographic data, and software-supported reconnaissance of the terrain during each excursion. Furthermore, I will join an online Geographic Information System (GIS) course to gain foundational knowledge of the subject of geographic mapping and exploring. This goal will help me to improve my skills in geography, geology, and basic physics to better understand the environment, while gaining experience in teamwork and problem-solving.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Scientific Exploration

My goal for Marine Study in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category is to research and present a new invention or solution for a marine-related issue within 6 months. I will start researching the issue by doing an online survey and consulting with local professionals and scientists. I will visit the local marine centre at least twice a month and participate in monthly field trips to further my research. Additionally, I will invest at least one hour a week in reading case studies related to the subject. Lastly, I will create a website and/or presentation to display my findings and solution.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Historical Trip

My goal for Cross-Country Sking in Expedition is to become proficient in the sport by completing a 3-day or longer sking journey within 6 months. To reach this goal, I will attend Cross Country Sking course classes twice a week for 1 hour and practice at home for an additional 2 hours per week. Additionally, I will join sking clubs, practice competitions and challenge myself with new sking tracks. I will also allocate time to research the best equipment, different sking techniques and new courses to enhance my journey. I will regularly track my progress by taking notes and photos. I will document my journey so that I can share my experience with others.

Adventurous Journey, Expedition, Canoeing

My goal for Orienteering in Exploration under Adventurous Journey Category is to sharpen my navigation and way-finding skills by completing at least three orienteering courses of various levels of difficulty within 6 months. I will attend orienteering classes once a week for an hour and practice weekly for an additional two hours. I will also reference readings and videos to broaden my understanding and knowledge of the different courses and their required skills. By the end of 6 months, I should feel confident enough to participate in an orienteering race.

Adventurous Journey, Exploration, Marine Study