The pilot scheme gave children in years 5 and 6 in primary school, the chance to challenge themselves through a range of outdoor adventure activities and environmental experiences. The aim is to develop their personal and social skills, helping them appreciate and enjoy the great highs you can get from the natural environment. This first hand experience will hopefully stay with them for life. The Award will also improve the physical skills of children in readiness for the transition from Primary to Secondary Education.

Tracey Evans, Senior Project Manager of the North West Wales Outdoor Partnership, which organises the Award Scheme, said: "From walking to canoeing, exploring wildlife habitats to heritage projects, the scheme’s focus is on learning through taking part in a range of stimulating activities. And with current deep concern about childhood obesity, the scheme offers one very practical solution."

Taking part in the pilot scheme were children from Ysgol Y Garreg, Llanfrothen, Ysgol Llanllechid, Bethesda, Ysgol Rhoscolyn, Anglesey, Ysgol Llanfairpwll, Anglesey, Ysgol Cystennin, Mochdre and Ysgol Dolwyddelan.

There are three parts to the Scheme:

• Life skills –including cycling, swimming, fitness and first aid;
• Adventure – including a range of activities outside the school grounds such as orienteering, canoeing or mountain biking.
• Cynefin – including conservation, cultural and historical projects and covering issues such as the countryside code, wildlife, marine awareness and protecting the planet.

Tracey Evans added: "The children are telling us that they really enjoyed the range of activities and challenges. We hope we’ve sparked their interest in the outdoors, give them the skills that will help them in later life. Six more schools from Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy will join the scheme in September."