The Awards Network has a wide range of nature-based awards and flexible schemes that can be used to recognise achievement in nature settings, as well as support educators and leaders to make the learning exciting, relevant and real.
A quick way to filter for nature-based awards is to go to the front page of our website and click the link
This takes you to our search menu where you can add other filters such as adjust the age group, the costs, the frequency of activities and the types of activities you wish to include. Here are some highlights where you can click on the logos to link directly to the awards information.
Until recently many schools and youth organisations have actively used the John Muir Award to support their work in nature settings. This award is currently on pause while a refresh is underway. The team have announced their commitment to relaunching the award in March 2025. This presents a good opportunity to consider a range of options available.
The Wild Challenge Awards scheme for schools is all about supporting school-based learning through the Outdoor Learning approach (see also Family Learning option). The activities are divided into two sections - Help Nature and Experience Nature. There are three award levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. This awards is cost free.
Youth Scotland has a suite of flexible awards packages which can all be used for learning in nature, about nature and through nature. The Hi5 Award, Dynamic Youth Award (DYA) and Youth Achievement Awards (YAA) are credit rated and levelled on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF) from levels 2 to 7.
The Scottish Junior Ranger Award has developed from a Pilot programme launched in 2013. This is a great award for young people who are wild about nature, the countryside and conservation. It offers opportunities to take part in outdoor learning; learn more about the work of Countryside Rangers; develop new skills and experience; and spend time with others with shared interests. The Junior Ranger programme is also the first step in professional development with the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a popular awards choice for getting recognition of activities completed outdoors through being active in nature as part of an expedition, volunteering in nature-based activities such as conservation work and citizen science and by learning new skills. DofE is a personal journey that helps young people to get the most out of life and make a difference to the world around them. It is designed by them for them. There are 3 levels of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE); Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Bronze Award takes a minimum of 6 months to complete, and as young people progress through the levels the commitment increases with Gold taking a minimum of 12 months.
The Outward Bound Trust has three different awards on offer: The Adventure and Challenge Award, The Mark Scott Leadership Award and The Summit - 14 Day Adventure. From the moment participants arrive at centres they’re immersed in spectacular scenery and introduced to a world of new experiences. From rowing across lakes and camping in the wild, to lighting fires and building shelters, Outward Bound® empowers young people to conquer mountains – both real and metaphorical.
Ramblers Scotland have the 'Out There Award' which targets those aged 18+. The Out There Award will kick-start your journey into the outdoors while helping you meet other young walkers, learn skills and have fun along the way.
Venture Scotland offers 'The Etive Award' to support young people aged 16-30 to develop new life skills and build their confidence, improve their mental and physical health and increase their access to employment, training, education and volunteering. We do this by providing a 12-month intensive outdoor based personal development programme known as “The Journey”.
Keep Scotland Beautiful is one of our network partners who have a range of awards programmes. Eco-schools is the well-known green flag which is awarded to schools which meet the criteria. In addition to this there are programmes such as LEAF (Learning About Forests) that advocates outdoor learning and hands-on experiences, resulting in pupils gaining a deeper and more involved understanding of the natural world.
Some Alternatives
There are two awards which focus specifically on volunteering. They are the Saltire Award and the Volunteering Skills Award SQA.
Another good way to engage in awards and recognition schemes is by joining a local uniformed youth group such as the Scouts, Girlguiding, The Girls Brigade and the Boys Brigade. There are also a number of cadet schemes offering numerous courses and ways to recognise learning and achievement.
If the young people you are working with are keen to get involved in campaigning for ways to protect nature, an award to consider is the Participative Democracy Certificate run by YouthLink Scotland.
Another approach to learning about the climat, sustainability and environmental sciences is through our fabulous range of STEM related awards where participants can explore everything from the biology and the biosphere to to building a wind turbine. Examples include Young STEM Leaders and STEMOVATORS.
Overall, youth awards programmes are packed full of amazing frameworks for learning to support learning for sustainability. Doing so lets us learn by being in nature, learn about nature, learn about ourselves in our natural environment and learn to advocate for our natural world. Everything you need to engage learners in the amazing things that nature offers.
