John Muir Award in the South Downs

What is the John Muir Award? An environmental award scheme focused on wild places. It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration. Connect with, enjoy and care for the planet’s wild places. Taking part within the National Park will develop an understanding of this special place and enable you to help look after the South Downs.

Why are we here today? Find out about the John Muir Award – who, what, why, where, how… Explore Criteria for gaining a John Muir Award Share/Develop new ideas for activities in the South Downs National Park Consider your next steps…

Where can you do an Award? “I only went out for a walk, and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in” John Muir

Who takes part…. “students who may not find success in the classroom environment have really been able to shine outdoors”

How does it work? 4 Challenges… Discover a wild place (or places) ‏ Explore it Conserve Share

You’ve been given a range of activities –Can you sort them into one of the four challenges? Clip them onto the segment with paperclips –What other activities could you do? Jot them down in each segment

How does it work? Criteria… Each individual participant must: Complete all Four Challenges - understand what they have done and why Complete time commitment Show enthusiasm Have an awareness of John Muir “They came back with the experience having changed them. They think differently about conservation and the natural environment.” Secondary Teacher “for some students it has made the difference to them remaining at school”

discoverjohnmuir.com Who was John Muir?

How does it work? 3 Levels… 1.Discovery Award 4 days or equivalent minimum 2.Explorer Award 8 days or equivalent minimum 3.Conserver Award 20 days or equivalent over at least 6 months “The best part was that I participated in every activity, even though sometimes I wasn’t feeling great, and that I enjoyed it. I learnt new skills in working with other people.”

How does it work? Process… Go Ahead! Review activity in relation to Proposal Form. (Complete a Four Challenge Review – optional). Complete a Certificate Request Form. Allow 2 weeks. Celebrate!

At the beginning…

At the end… Electronic submission preferred Review activity

The Four Challenges – your personal experiences Discover a Wild Place What Wild Places have you discovered? Explore its Wildness How have you Explored Wild Places? Conserve take Responsibility How have you taken responsibility for Wild Places? Share your Experiences How have you Shared your experience of Wild Places with others?

Why do Schools use the John Muir Award? Focus to outdoor learning Cross curricular projects Promotes an environmental agenda Simple framework Flexible – used with alternative curriculum groups and SEN students Links with other popular Awards Celebrates success! Training and staff development opportunities “30%-80% improvement in attendance” “there has been a noticeable change in behaviour over the year… students not acting out… real engagement and interest in learning”

Why do the Award? How do the participants benefit? Challenge and adventure Environmental awareness & responsibility for change Practical knowledge & skills Shared experiences & teamwork Communication skills Confidence Health and wellbeing A nationally recognised certificate: include in C.V. & Record of Achievement “Out there I’m me again” “Fresh air comes into your body and all the bad stuff goes out” “we get the freedom to make what we want... get to express ourselves... we are learning about the world we live in” “thank you for changing me to a different person”

You may have noticed that there are local case studies displayed outside for inspiration… Case Studies…

Resources Guides Useful information and links to help meet the Four Challenges John Muir Biodiversity Outdoor Access Surveys Wildlife Gardening National Parks See johnmuiraward.org

Websites

What would your John Muir Award look like? Do you need any support & guidance? When could you start? Over to you… We’re here to help

Join us! The John Muir Trust runs the John Muir Award for free. Help keep it that way. Join as a Group Member or Individual Leaflet available or join online at: johnmuirtrust.org