Gaisce - The President's Award | Elphin Community College

Gaisce – The President’s Award

Dream. Dare. Do.

Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Youth Award. It is a personal development programme that encourages young people to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, help others, get active and enjoy new experiences.

At Elphin Community College, Gaisce gives students the opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships, contribute to the community and take part in a memorable adventure journey.

What is Gaisce?

Gaisce is a non-competitive award programme for young people aged 14 to 25. Students set their own goals and complete challenges across a number of areas, with the support of a President’s Award Leader, also known as a PAL.

The award is about personal growth. It is not about being the best, the fastest or the strongest. It is about commitment, effort, independence and discovering what you are capable of achieving.

Why Take Part?

Taking part in Gaisce can help students to:

build confidence and self-belief;
develop new skills and interests;
make a positive contribution to the community;
improve physical health and wellbeing;
work towards a personal goal over time;
take part in an adventure journey with others;
gain an award that recognises commitment, effort and personal development.

Award Levels

There are three Gaisce award levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Most students begin with the Bronze Award and may progress to Silver and Gold as they get older.

Gaisce Award Levels
Award	Minimum Age	Main Challenge Areas	Adventure Journey	Registration Fee
Bronze	14+	13 weeks in Personal Skill, Community Involvement and Physical Recreation, plus an additional 13 weeks in one chosen area.	Minimum of 2 days and 1 night	€15
Silver	15+	26 weeks in Personal Skill, Community Involvement and Physical Recreation. Students who have not completed Bronze complete an additional 26 weeks in one chosen area.	Minimum of 3 days and 2 nights	€20
Gold	17+	52 weeks in Personal Skill, Community Involvement and Physical Recreation. Students who have not completed Silver complete an additional 26 weeks in one chosen area.	4 days and 3 nights, plus a Residential Project and Gold Portfolio	€25

The Gaisce Challenge Areas

To complete Gaisce, students take part in challenge areas that support personal development, community involvement, physical activity and adventure.

Personal Skill

Try something new or improve a skill you already enjoy. This could include music, coding, photography, cooking, art, public speaking, a language, first aid or another personal interest.

Community Involvement

Give time to help others. This could include volunteering, charity work, helping with school initiatives, supporting a community group or taking part in an environmental project.

Physical Recreation

Get active and improve your wellbeing. This could include walking, running, cycling, swimming, team sports, gym work, dance, martial arts or another physical activity.

Adventure Journey

Plan, prepare for and complete an outdoor journey as part of a team. For many students, this is one of the most memorable parts of Gaisce.

What Could I Do for Gaisce at ECC?

Students can choose activities that suit their own interests, strengths and goals. Here are some ideas that may work well for students at Elphin Community College.

Possible Gaisce Activities
Challenge Area	Possible Activities
Personal Skill	Learn a musical instrument, develop photography skills, improve cooking skills, learn coding, practise public speaking, create artwork, develop a portfolio or learn a new language.
Community Involvement	Volunteer locally, support a charity event, help with a school initiative, take part in Green Schools, support a community group or help with an awareness campaign.
Physical Recreation	Walk, run, cycle, swim, play a team sport, attend fitness training, take part in dance, practise yoga or commit to another physical activity.
Adventure Journey	Prepare for and complete a team-based outdoor journey, such as a hike or expedition, with planning, training and reflection.

Adventure, Friendship and Achievement

Gaisce is a chance to step outside your comfort zone in a positive and supported way. Students often remember the adventure journey, teamwork and sense of achievement long after the award is completed.

The more commitment you give, the more you gain from the experience.

How to Get Started

Find out more. Read about the award levels and think about which level is right for you.
Speak to a teacher. Ask about Gaisce in school and find out who the Gaisce PAL is.
Choose your activities. Pick realistic challenges that interest you and suit your goals.
Register online. Complete your Gaisce registration through the official Gaisce system.
Keep a record. Track your progress and stay in contact with your PAL.
Complete the challenge. Finish your activities, adventure journey and any required reflection.