Join in Award Scheme
The Join in Award Scheme, JAS, is an entry-level award for anyone who might enjoy and benefit from using it. It’s a self-guided way to encourage, capture and celebrate personal achievement.
Designed as a ‘first award’ for children and young people, JAS also works well with older pupils with support needs and with adults who have learning difficulties.
The Join in Award Scheme can be used in schools, outdoor centres, home education, as well as residential, family and youth work settings. Its freedom and flexibility to choose activities encourages a wide range of learning experiences. Use it to bring out the best in participants and start them on their awards journey.
To find out more, remind yourself, or share with others, download a 2-page summary
View a sample copy of the JAS Participant Booklet and JAS Certificates.
Previous Junior Award Scheme for Schools/JASS Booklets and some JASS Certificates are currently available at £3/copy. Please contact us directly to check availability and to place an order.
Background
The Join in Award Scheme evolved from the Junior Award Scheme for Schools (known as JASS) in 2024. The Green Team assumed responsibility for the award in 2025.
The award was created by Awards Plus (previously Friends of the Award) to encourage youth awards participation. It is a stand-alone award, as well as an ideal foundation for progressing to other awards.
All proceeds from sales of the JAS Award go towards the work of The Green Team, supporting young people’s connection with nature.
How does it work?
Simply choose a Join in Award Scheme Level (White, Green, Gold) and do suitable activities for each of these 4 Sections:
My Interests – a new hobby, interest or skill, or an existing one which can be developed
Get Active, Stay Active – regular involvement in a sport or physical activity
Me & My World – a community or nature-based project
Adventure – suitably adventurous outdoor activity
“It’s a framework for capturing achievement and celebrating the successes of our pupils. It has increased engagement, provided motivation and given them ownership over the way they keep track of their achievements.
It creates a thread between outreach and in-school support, allowing us to work more closely together, to better meet the needs of the children we are improving the life chances for.”
— Katie Gardinier, Acting Deputy Head, Inclusion & Wellbeing Services Skills Centre, Whitburn
"This looks brilliant! Very user friendly, attractive, lots of inspiration and easy-to-follow guidance. I like that there are Sectional certificates with encouragement to celebrate each milestone."
— Heather Hughes, 1:1 Mentoring Manager, Awards Plus