Getting started

Whether you’re an experienced outdoor learning practitioner or an enthusiastic educator who doesn’t know where to start, a passionate individual or inspiring forest school leader, a collection of dedicated advocates or a community group looking for something new…the John Muir Award is for you.

The John Muir Award is open to anyone who can understand and meet the criteria. In our experience, this usually means people who are working at upper primary learning level and above. The Award can be completed through an organisation or as self-guided individuals / families.  

There is no single way to complete a John Muir Award. Every journey is shaped by people, their skills and interests; and by the wild place/s chosen – whether that’s on their doorstep or further afield. As a result, each Award experience is unique and personal. 

We invite you to take a look at the criteria, including each of the Four Challenges and the step-by-step guide to understand the process.