Support for adventure and outdoor learning
AE is a not for profit organisation with the aim of widening participation in the outdoors for young people. Since 2016, AE has supported young people, leaders, teachers, schools and organisations providing outdoor opportunities with bursaries, awards, training, equipment and guidance as part of this aim.
Read on for more information about the bursaries, awards and support on offer - this is updated with new information as we have it so be sure to check back regularly for application details and deadlines.
Please read all details and deadlines carefully - we are unfortunately unable to accept applications after any of the deadlines stated. Many thanks!
School/Group DofE Expedition Bursaries
Outline
AE is passionate in making DofE Expedition programmes as accessible to as many young people as possible, particularly where we can keep the adventure factor high to bring wider personal development benefits too.
Bursaries are to cover the full or part cost of a School/Group DofE Expedition programme and AE aims to make bursaries available to all students who would otherwise not be able to attend the programme on financial grounds.
How many bursaries are available?
No set number per year - determined by qualifying applications received.
Who can apply?
Anyone who would otherwise be unable to access School/Group Expedition programmes on financial grounds and can demonstrate this - please see the application form for criteria or get in touch for an informal chat if you have any questions.
School/group leaders and teachers can apply for or liaise with AE on behalf of qualifying students to ensure a discrete and confidential process for individuals.
Closing date for applications
None - applications accepted at any time.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
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Adventure Day Bursaries
Outline
Fully funded places on AE Adventure Days for 5 - 12 year olds. For more information on Adventure Days please see here.
How many bursaries are available?
30 Adventure Day places available - choose from Easter, May half-term, Summer, October half-term and Christmas holiday programmes.
Who can apply?
Bursaries are awarded where, for financial reasons, a young person might not otherwise be able to attend an Adventure Day - please see the application form for full details.
Closing date for applications
No set date for applications - applications accepted at any time but please note that the earlier an application is received the higher the likelihood of securing your first choice of week/s if successful.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Mountain Leader Award Bursaries
Outline
Bursaries of £100.00 towards Mountain Leader training and assessment courses.
How many bursaries are available?
£3450.00 of Mountain Leader award bursaries were awarded in 2020. Bursaries determined by qualifying applications received.
Who can apply?
Anyone undertaking the Mountain Leader training or assessment course with a view to using it to work with young people in the outdoors.
Closing date for applications
No closing date, bursaries are awarded to applicants successfully demonstrating the application criteria up to the annual bursary limit.
How do I apply?
Read further info and apply via Adventure Expertise here.
Rock Climbing Instructor Award Bursaries
Outline
For 2022 courses onwards, bursaries of £50.00 towards Rock Climbing Instructor Award training and assessment courses.
How many bursaries are available?
No set number - determined by qualifying applications received.
Who can apply?
Anyone undertaking the Rock Climbing Instructor training or assessment course with a view to using it to work with young people in the outdoors.
Closing date for applications
No closing date, bursaries are awarded to applicants successfully demonstrating the application criteria up to the annual bursary limit.
How do I apply?
Read further info and apply via Adventure Expertise here
Junior Award Scheme for Schools (JASS) - Primary School Award
Outline
Set up and delivery of a complete JASS Award scheme to 25 pupils in school. The award includes cost of JASS packs, certificates and pin badges upon completion as well as inclusion of the John Muir Discovery Award and certification as part of the JASS programme (pupils taking part will therefore receive both a JASS and John Muir Award).
How many bursaries are available?
1 bursary available for any level of JASS Award for school year 2024 - 2025. This will be awarded to one primary school.
Who can apply?
Primary schools on behalf of their pupils.
Closing date for applications
30th June 2024 for delivery in the 2024-2025 academic year.
How do I apply?
Read more information on the JASS Awards here and JASS / John Muir Awards here. Please email here for an application form and ask any questions that you may have.
Inspiring diversity in the outdoors - annual leadership award
Outline
We would like to see the outdoor industry become a much more diverse and inclusive profession. This annual award is to support young people from underrepresented groups under the age of 23 years who would like to join an AE outdoor course or programme. The Award will help them develop their leadership skills and begin their career as an outdoor professional.
How many awards are available?
1 award per year to the value of £300.00 - this can be used against any Adventure Expeditions or Adventure Expertise course or programme.
Who can apply?
Young people from underrepresented groups who are aged under 23 wishing to develop their outdoor leadership skills.
Closing date for applications
31st March each year.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
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Outdoor Activity Weekend / Summer & Winter Mountain Experience Awards
Outline
Bursaries to support aspiring outdoor leaders join either Outdoor Activity Weekends, Summer Mountain or Winter Mountain Experience programmes organised through schools or groups.
How many awards are available?
One award for each of an Outdoor Activity Weekend, Summer Mountain Experience and Winter Mountain Experience.
Who can apply?
Young people attending attending any of the above programmes or teachers/leaders on their behalf.
Closing date for applications
31st March each year.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Hope Valley Projects Awards
Outline
Community of all varieties is a hugely important part of AE and our ethos. These awards have been established to invest in projects in the community local to where we work from: Hathersage and the Hope Valley in the Peak District National Park.
How many awards are available?
An annual fund is made available and one or multiple awards can be made up to the ceiling of the fund, depending on applications received.
Who can apply?
Applications are invited from community organisations, projects and initiatives that will benefit young people OR have a positive environmental impact in Hathersage, the Hope Valley or local environs of the Peak District National Park.
Closing date for applications
30th June 2024.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Caring for carers - annual awards
Outline
These awards are to recognise the care, attention and support that young people give to others.
How many awards are available?
2 awards to the value of £300.00 for any Adventure Expeditions or Adventure Expertise course are available each year.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 21 and under who cares for others.
Closing date for applications
Closing date for 2024 awards: 17:00, 30th June 2024
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Environment & Conservation Action Award
Outline
In recognition of the contribution of a young person in helping to care for and conserve the environment local to their home, this award is for a place on an AE Wildlife & Conservation Residential programme (5 days) in the Peak District.
How many awards are available?
1 per year.
Closing date for applications
31st March each year.
Who can apply?
Anyone who has made a contribution to helping to care for, protect or conserve their local environment.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Inspiring young women outdoors - annual leadership award
Outline
In 2017, it was reported by Mountain Training that of those undertaking national hillwalking, climbing and mountaineering awards, only 19% of candidates were female. This annual award is to support a female under the age of 23 years who would like to join an AE outdoor course or programme that will help her develop her leadership skills in the outdoors where they might be used to inspire others in future.
How many bursaries are available?
1 award per year to the value of £300.00 - this can be used against any Adventure Expeditions or Adventure Expertise course or programme.
Who can apply?
Females aged under 23 wishing to develop their outdoor leadership skills.
Closing date for applications
30th June 2024 - awards must be used by 30th November 2024.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Outdoor Project Award
Outline
We support groups and teams who may need additional support to be able to complete their DofE expeditions or want to run an outdoor projects/event for a good cause. Whether you require particular expertise, information or financial support, the aim of this Award is to help organise programmes to make them accessible for all and/or to help charities deliver projects and events in the outdoors.
How many bursaries are available?
We aim to help fund up to three projects each year. Support can be in the form of financial support, providing specialist kit, planning and technical support (or a combination of these).
Who can apply?
Please contact us to tell us about your project idea and to see if we can support you with it. Projects previously supported include:
- Two expeditions (Bronze and Silver) for the brilliant charity Action on Disability. You can read more about the expeditions here.
- Supporting a Special Educational Needs school to deliver DofE expeditions in 2021 (Gold Award).
- Delivery of a Bronze DofE expedition programme for young people in care in October 2020;
- Set up, organisation and event delivery of a 'Nine Edges Multi Activity Charity Challenge', a tough day out to raise funds for a good cause.
Closing date for applications
Ongoing, we're always happy to hear about projects we may be able to support.
How do I apply?
Request an application form here.
Annual photography competition
Outline
Bring your camera along to AE programmes and courses - submit your best photos from your time with us into our annual photography competition categories to win
Competition categories and prizes
- Local landscapes;
- DofE expedition teams and expedition team mates (open expeditions);
- Action shots...;
- Instructors at work;
- Wondrous wildlife;
- Favourite flora;
- Life at camp;
- Skills and training.
Each category has an equipment or voucher prize available. The winning photograph from each category will also be entered into AE's 'Photo of the Year' competition, the winner will receive an AE course place voucher to the value of £200.00, a large canvas print of their photograph as well as a large canvas of their photograph joining other past winners on the AE HQ walls for all to see!
Closing dates
All entries need to be received by 1st December each year. Winners announced by following 15th January with prizes to follow.
How do I enter?
Submit your entries to AE by email to info@adventure-expeditions.net with email title of 'PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ENTRY'. Please include the following in the body of your email:
- Your full name;
- Name and dates of AE programme that you attended that the photograph was taken on/during;
- The category that you are entering your photo into;
- Please attach your photo to the email or include a DropBox link to the photo if the file is large.
(By entering you are allowing AE to display your photo for the purposes of the competition, use in future printed and internet publications and to be replicated and on view at AE base. We want to share your skills!).