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Learn about the Chapman Challenge

What the Chapman Challenge is all about

Watch the 8-minute film, then sign up.

Watch the official launch, 9 October 2026

Under the Patronage of the President of Barbados

From the Lane to Hillaby

The Chapman Challenge is a free programme for young Barbadians aged 10 to 24. You get a mentor, learn new skills, serve your community and earn a national award.

Become a Challenger Become a mentor Become a partner
The Chapman Challenge logo

Free for ages 10 to 24

Sign-up Is Open

The Chapman Challenge matches you with a mentor who shares your interests. It is free, it is for ages 10 to 24, and it takes two or three hours a week, so it fits around school and everything else.

Signing up takes about a minute, and someone from the team will contact you.

Become a Challenger Become a mentor
The Chapman Challenge logo

About the Programme

What is it?

The Chapman Challenge is a free programme for young Barbadians aged 10 to 24, under the patronage of the President. You are matched with a mentor, you give two to three hours a week, and you work towards a national Bronze, Silver or Gold award.

There are three levels, Explorer, Builder and Leader, and each takes about a year. Each level asks more of you than the last.

There are no fees of any kind. Everyone who runs the programme is a volunteer. Every mentor passes a background check and completes safeguarding training before meeting a young person.

Our line “From the lane to Hillaby” comes from Mount Hillaby, the highest point in Barbados. It means from wherever you start to the highest point on the island.

Levels and Awards

The Three Levels

Each level takes about a year. You move up when you are ready, which depends on more than your age.

Ages 10 to 17

The Explorer

Level One

Your first year. You get a mentor, do community service and take leadership workshops.

What you do

  • 50 hours community service
  • 24 hours leadership workshops
  • 40 hours mentorship
  • 12 hours global citizenship

Award: Bronze Service Award

Ages 16 to 20

The Builder

Level Two

Step up to lead. 100 hours of service with at least 30 in a leadership role. Design your own service initiative. Transition from mentee to peer mentor.

What you do

  • 100 hours community service (30+ leading)
  • 36 hours advanced leadership
  • 60 hours mentorship (30 as mentee, 30 as peer mentor)
  • 20 hours global citizenship

Award: Silver Service Award

Ages 18 to 24

The Leader

Level Three

Design, run and evaluate a signature community project, and mentor 2 or 3 younger Challengers.

What you do

  • 200 hours community service (100+ on signature project)
  • 48 hours executive leadership
  • 80 hours mentorship (20 as mentee, 60 as formal mentor)
  • 30 hours global citizenship

Award: Gold Service Award and eligibility for a Presidential Award

Core Pillars

What Does It Focus On?

Community Service

Make a tangible impact in your community through hands-on service projects.

Leadership Training

Develop essential leadership skills through structured workshops and real-world practice.

Mentorship

A mentor matched to your interests, your goals and your parish.

Global Citizenship

Expand your worldview through cultural exchanges and international collaboration.

Academic & Vocational Growth

Strengthen your academic and vocational foundations with targeted support.

Getting Started

How Does It Work?

1

Sign up

It takes about a minute. Someone from the team will then contact you.

2

Get matched

We confirm your level and match you with a vetted mentor, chosen for your interests, your goals and your parish.

3

Start your level

Start with Level One as an Explorer. Complete service hours, attend workshops, and build your foundation over one year.

4

Earn your award

Finish your level and receive a national Bronze, Silver or Gold award at a ceremony each August.

Join the Challenge

Gallery

The Challenge in Pictures

The Chapman Challenge: a new path for young leaders in Barbados
Not just a programme, it’s a journey. Ages 10 to 24. A 3-level experience designed to help you build confidence, discover your purpose and become a leader.
Your journey starts here: the three-level Explorer, Builder and Leader experience
What you will build. Real skills, real impact. Community service, leadership training, mentorship, global citizenship, and academic and vocational growth.
The Chapman Challenge, from the lane to Hillaby

Download the Programme Overview

Everything you need to know about The Chapman Challenge in one document. Share it with a young person, a potential mentor, or a community partner.

Download Infographic (PDF)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Any young Barbadian aged 10 to 24, in any parish. Parental or guardian consent is required for participants under 18.

About two to three hours a week, around school or work. Level one is about 126 hours across a year: 50 hours of community service, 24 of leadership workshops, 40 with a mentor and 12 on global citizenship.

Nothing. There are no fees of any kind, and everyone who runs the programme is a volunteer.

Every mentor passes a background check and safeguarding training before meeting a young person.

You receive a national Bronze, Silver or Gold award at a ceremony each August. If you meet the criteria for the next level and your evaluations are positive, you can move up.

In exceptional cases, candidates with demonstrated equivalent experience may apply for direct entry to Level Two or Three. This requires a selection panel review and Advisory Council approval.

A mentor is a volunteer from Barbados, such as a professional, tradesperson, teacher, retiree or community leader, matched to your interests, your goals and your parish. Each mentor works with a small group of young people. All mentors complete background checks, safeguarding training, and adhere to a Mentor Code of Conduct.

Sign up in about a minute at chapmanchallenge.org/apply. Someone from the team will contact you.

Get Involved

Ways to Take Part

Young people aged 10 to 24 can sign up in about a minute. Adults can volunteer as a mentor or facilitator, and organisations can become partners.

Become a Challenger Become a mentor Become a facilitator Become a partner