Residential Project
Broaden Experiences Through Shared Living and Purposeful Activities
The Residential Project is an important part of the Gold level of IAYP that gives young people the opportunity to step outside their familiar environment, meet new people, and take part in a meaningful shared experience.
By living and working alongside people who are not their usual friends or colleagues, participants experience new environments, perspectives, and ways of working together. The Residential Project encourages independence, responsibility, teamwork, communication, and personal growth while participants work towards a common purpose.
What is the Residential Project in IAYP?
The Residential Project is a requirement at the Gold level of IAYP. Participants undertake a shared and purposeful activity in an unfamiliar residential setting with people who are not their usual companions.
The experience must normally take place over at least four nights and five consecutive days. In exceptional circumstances, it may be completed over two weekends, provided the same activity is continued during both weekends within the same 12-month period.
Participants can choose a Residential Project based on their interests and personal goals. The project may also be connected with activities undertaken in other sections of the Award, as long as the residential experience meets the required conditions.
Benefits of the Residential Project for Young People
Living and working with new people in an unfamiliar environment provides participants with valuable opportunities for personal and social development. Through the Residential Project, young people can:
- Meet new people and build meaningful relationships
- Experience a new and unfamiliar environment
- Develop teamwork and cooperation skills
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Accept responsibility and demonstrate initiative
- Learn new skills or strengthen existing abilities
- Build confidence and independence
- Enjoy the experience of living and working with others
These experiences help participants broaden their outlook, understand different perspectives, and become more confident when adapting to new situations.
Plan, Participate and Review Your Experience
➢ Before beginning a Residential Project, participants should discuss their interests and proposed activity with their Award Leader. Since the experience requires a meaningful commitment of time and may sometimes involve financial costs, participants should carefully select an opportunity that suits their interests and Award requirements.
➢ A suitable Assessor should also be agreed upon with the Award Leader. This will usually be the course instructor, project leader, or facilitator who can observe the participant throughout the residential experience.
➢ During the project, participants should actively contribute to the activity, work positively with others, demonstrate responsibility, and look for opportunities to take initiative. Participants should review their progress with their Assessor during the activity and again at the end of the experience.
➢ The final assessment considers areas such as personal standards, punctuality, relationships with others, willingness to take responsibility and initiative, and the development of skills throughout the activity.
Begin Your Residential Project Journey with IAYP
The Residential Project gives Gold Award participants an opportunity to experience life beyond their usual surroundings while contributing towards a meaningful shared goal. It encourages young people to adapt to new situations, connect with others, take responsibility, and develop valuable skills through practical experience.
Choose an experience that challenges you, introduces you to new people and perspectives, and helps you grow through living and working together as part of your IAYP Gold journey.
Residential Project Activities
Living and working with new people in an unfamiliar environment provides participants with valuable opportunities for personal and social development. Through the Residential Project, young people can:
- There are many different ways to complete a purposeful Residential Project. Participants can choose an experience that reflects their interests while meeting the requirements of the Gold Award.
- Suitable opportunities may include personal development and training programmes such as residential language courses, leadership training, skills development programmes, ecology courses, youth camps, and youth parliaments.
- Participants may also become involved in environment and conservation projects, including environmental clean-ups, volunteering with national parks, habitat and ecosystem research, or building restoration projects.
- Other opportunities include service to people and communities, such as assisting at youth camps, supporting community construction projects, working with charities, or contributing to care homes and hospitals.
- Participants interested in physical challenges may choose activity-based residential experiences, including outdoor adventure programmes, sports coaching, sports skills development, and similar organised activities.
- Whatever activity is selected, the Residential Project should have a clear purpose and provide opportunities for learning, contribution, teamwork, and personal development.