The International Award for Young People (IAYP), also known globally as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is one of the most recognised youth development programmes in the world. It helps students cultivate resilience, leadership, and self-reliance through experiential learning.

As part of the Award, students undertake an Adventurous Journey which is a self-sufficient outdoor expedition where they navigate unfamiliar terrain, set up camps, and work collaboratively to achieve a common goal. The journey is designed not as a trek or camp, but as a learning experience that tests both physical endurance and teamwork.

At the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL), we facilitate these journeys in partnership with schools across India. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that every Adventurous Journey remains true to the IAYP’s requirements.

This volunteering opportunity is ideal for:

• Individuals passionate about education through the outdoors
• IAYP Award alumni who wish to give back and support future awardees
• Educators interested in experiential learning and student development
• Trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts who value structure, learning, and mentoring young people

If you’re someone who believes that the outdoors can be a powerful teacher, this role offers a meaningful way to contribute.

As an IAYP Adventurous Journey volunteer, you will support the programme from preparation to execution:

• Pre-journey: Understand the IAYP assessment framework.
• On the journey: Support student teams as they navigate independently, ensuring they follow safety protocols and work together effectively.
• Facilitation: Help conduct reflections, encourage student ownership, and uphold the spirit of self-sufficiency central to the IAYP.
• Post-journey: Contribute to documentation and debrief sessions to capture learnings from the programme.

You will not lead or direct participants, rather, your role is to observe, support, and create the right environment for learning.

Volunteering for the IAYP Adventurous Journey offers exposure to:

• IAYP frameworks and assessment criteria, helping you understand how global youth development standards translate into practice
• Outdoor facilitation techniques, including observation, feedback, and reflection skills
• Risk management and group dynamics, as you help maintain balance between student independence and safety
• Experiential learning design, gaining insights into how structured challenges build resilience and teamwork

It’s an opportunity to see how carefully designed outdoor experiences nurture essential life skills.

Volunteering on an IAYP journey demands commitment, adaptability, and genuine curiosity. You’ll need to bring:

• Physical fitness and outdoor readiness to trek with students and manage long, active days
• A learner’s mindset, open to observation and feedback
• Patience and awareness to allow students to find their own learning moments
• A spirit of service, willing to step in where needed 
• Professionalism and empathy, representing InSOUL and IAYP values at all times
• Must have trekked with Indiahikes