Leave Your Comfort Zone
Kia Waewae Kai Kapua
Gold Residential Project
At Gold level, you’ll take on the Gold Residential Project—a unique Award Section that gives you the chance to be part of a shared, purposeful experience with people you wouldn’t usually work with. Over several days, you’ll live and work alongside others as you contribute to a common goal, building new connections and embracing different perspectives. It’s a great opportunity to put the skills you’ve developed throughout your Award journey—like teamwork, communication, and leadership—into real-world action, while broadening your outlook and challenging yourself in new and meaningful ways.
Key Requirements
Completion of the Gold Residential Project is a requirement to achieve your Gold Award.
Popular Projects in 2025
- Conservation work e.g., with the Department of Conservation
- University lead Programmes National and International e.g. Hands-on Science at Otago, UC Summer Science Camp
- Cultural/Student Exchange
- Assisting at a holiday camp e.g., Christian Camping, YMCA
- Model United Nations
- Crew Member on a Ship e.g., Spirit of Adventure, New Zealand Sailing Trust, R Tucker Thompson
- Sports Skills Development e.g., training camp
- Cadet Camps or Scouts Jamboree
- Skills Development e.g., Brave Thinkers, music camps
- Volunteering overseas e.g., Future Leaders Academy
- Outdoor Adventure Camps e.g., through a Recognised Activity Provider
- Rotary Youth Programmes
Make Your Project Count
Your Gold Residential Project is more than just a requirement — it’s a chance to dive into something meaningful, expand your horizons, and connect with new people. This is your opportunity to challenge yourself, grow your skills, and create an experience you’ll never forget.
There are so many ways to shape your journey. Think about what excites you, what you’re passionate about, and where you want to make a difference. Whether you’re drawn to the outdoors, creativity, or helping others, there’s a project out there for you.
Here are just a few ideas to spark your thinking:
- Personal development or training courses
- Environmental or conservation work
- Community service and support projects
- Skill-based or adventure-based activities
You might even build on something you’ve explored in another section of your Award — like taking your interest in photography from your Skills section into a week-long residential project. Just remember: the time you’ve already spent on other sections doesn’t count toward your Gold Residential, so this needs to be a new, focused, and purposeful experience — not just a holiday.
Many Recognised Activity Providers (RAPs) offer exciting opportunities that meet the requirements. Whatever you choose, it must be in line with your Award Unit’s Safety Management System.
So dream big, plan with purpose, and make your Gold Residential Project an experience that truly reflects who you are and what you care about.
Award Flexibilities
In some cases, we can adjust parts of the Award to help make it more accessible. These Award Flexibilities are special variations to the usual framework, and they’re available with approval from our National Office. If traditional options aren’t possible and it means you’ll be able to take part more easily, you may be allowed to:
- Go home to sleep at night instead of staying on-site
- Complete some or all of your Gold Residential Project virtually (as long as it still meets the criteria)
These options are only available in exceptional circumstances. If you think this might apply to you, talk to your Award Leader—they can email our Operations Manager below.