The local surroundings are an unknown country to many of today's young people - like America when Columbus first discovered it in 1492.
The Backyard Discovery Club exists to change this. It encourages young people to observe, appreciate and investigate the world immediately around them.
Who is it for?
The Club is for young people aged 9 - 14. It is an enriching complement to the UK school curriculum for use during weekends and school holidays.
What is involved?
Club members join a company called Columbus' Crew. They:
- receive a special Club Badge and Code Book
- write in with their findings to gain further badges and certificates
- decode messages, and read about the discoveries of other Club members, in the News section of the website
Columbus' Crew follow a Course which is divided into Units. Each unit consists of:
- an Information Booklet to read at home
- a pocket-sized Spotting Book to carry around to record findings
- an Investigations Manual with ideas for practical activities
What is my Backyard?
Your Backyard means everywhere within 1 mile of your home.
This includes gardens, parks, churchyards, waste ground, buildings, walls, roads and paths,
whether you live in a city or outside.
Can I try it out?
Yes. To try out the project, email navigator@backyard.org.uk with:
- your name
- the name(s) and age(s) of the child(ren) interested
- your postal address*
- a Welcome letter
- a Club Badge and Code Book
- the first Unit of the Course
How much does it cost?
The Club is run by Philip and Patricia West on a not-for-profit basis. The pricing of the Units reflects this.
Units can be purchased one at a time, in any order, with no obligation to buy more. The price for each unit is listed here.