Gaisce –The President’s Award:
This is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 -25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges.
It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential. Students will receive a signed certificate from the president on completion of the Gaisce Award.
Gaisce Awards are non-competitive and self-directed: participants choose their own activities, goals and projects with the support of their President’s Award Leader (Ms. Courtney).
Students must complete 13 weeks (1 hour per week) in each of the following areas, Personal Skill, Community Involvement and Physical Recreation. One of these areas must be continued for an extra 13 weeks.
1. Personal Skill:
The Personal Skill Challenge Area is a chance for you to develop an existing skill or try something brand new.
This is an opportunity for participants to explore an activity that interests them and to develop skills that they may have previously thought beyond their reach.
Working on a skill helps to boost your self-esteem, develop other practical and social skills, and learn how to set and rise to a challenge.
2. Community Involvement:
The Community Involvement Challenge Area is an opportunity for Gaisce participants to volunteer with a wide variety of community groups and charities helping people, animals or communal activities.
Gaisce is often people’s first experience of volunteering and active citizenship.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with their community, gain confidence, make new friends/network and develop new skills.
Community involvement empowers you to have a voice and make a difference in your communities
3. Physical Recreation:
Physical activity is great for both body and mind and is essential for a person’s well-being.
In this Challenge Area, you can choose to improve your ability in a physical activity you already take part in or try out a new sport or exercise.
The physical activity should be set at an appropriate level for your capability.
Activities can be undertaken on an individual basis, or as part of a team.
In the case of a team sport, it is the individual effort and commitment that counts.
4. Adventure Journey:
Finally participants will partake an Adventure Journey later on in the school year. The Adventure Journey often proves to be the most memorable aspect of Gaisce for participants. It is an opportunity for you to plan, train for and complete an outdoor activity over 2 days and 1 night as part of a team. It is a unique, challenging and memorable experience that creates strong bonds between participants as well as the opportunity to develop self-sufficiency and leadership skills. Adventure Journeys will take place on land in the form of hiking/walking.
To sign up for Gaisce please use the link below to sign up and pay. The cost is €15. Please note participants must complete the physical recreation, community involvement and personal skill to partake in the adventure journey. The price of the adventure journey will be confirmed later in the year (it will roughly be €100)
To sign up visit copy and pasta the below link into your search engine:
https://www.gaisce.ie/sign-up/
