Awards

The King’s Scout Award is the highest achievement in Scouting and a mark of exceptional dedication, leadership, and personal growth. To earn it, Explorers commit to an inspiring programme of volunteering, skills development, physical activity, and challenging outdoor expeditions. They also take on service to their community and demonstrate sustained effort over time. Achieving the King’s Scout Award shows remarkable resilience, initiative, and a real commitment to living Scouting’s values. It is one of the most prestigious honours a young person can achieve.

The Chief Scout’s Acorn Award is the top achievement for Squirrels and celebrates everything they’ve learned during their time in the section. To earn it, Squirrels complete all their Challenge Awards and a selection of Activity Badges, taking part in fun, age-appropriate adventures that build curiosity, confidence, and teamwork. The Acorn Award recognises their enthusiasm and progress, marking a proud milestone as they get ready to move up to Beavers.

The Chief Scout’s Bronze Award is the highest achievement a young person can earn in Beavers. To complete it, Beavers work towards all six of their Challenge Awards, taking part in adventures that build confidence, teamwork, creativity, and outdoor skills. Along the way they also earn a number of Activity Badges that reflect their personal interests. Finishing the Bronze Award shows real commitment, enthusiasm, and growth — it’s a big milestone that celebrates everything they’ve achieved during their time in Beavers.

The Chief Scout’s Silver Award is the highest award Cubs can achieve, recognising their commitment, skills, and personal growth throughout the section. To earn it, Cubs complete all seven of their Challenge Awards and a selection of Activity Badges, taking part in a wide range of activities that promote adventure, teamwork, problem-solving, and outdoor skills. Achieving the Silver Award shows real dedication and marks an important milestone as they prepare to move up to Scouts.

The Chief Scout’s Gold Award is the highest accolade a young person can achieve in the Scouts section. To earn it, Scouts complete all nine of their Challenge Awards and a range of Activity Badges, taking on experiences that build leadership, resilience, outdoor adventure, and practical skills. From expeditions to community impact, they work as part of a team and push themselves to try new things. Achieving the Gold Award is a significant milestone that recognises their effort, growth, and readiness to take on new challenges as they move up to Explorers.

The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award is an important milestone for Explorers, recognising commitment, community involvement, and personal development. To earn it, young people complete key elements of the Explorer programme, including volunteering, taking part in physical activity, developing new skills, and exploring the world around them through adventurous activities. The award encourages independence, teamwork, and responsibility, marking strong progress on their journey towards the higher Queen’s (King’s) Scout-level awards.

The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award builds on the Platinum Award and represents a deeper level of challenge, service, and personal achievement. Explorers work towards volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and an extended exploration or expedition, gaining confidence and independence along the way. The award recognises their determination to push themselves further and make a positive impact in their community. It’s a significant step towards the King’s Scout Award and a mark of real commitment to the values of Scouting.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting part of the Explorer Scout programme, giving young people the chance to challenge themselves, discover new talents, and make a positive difference to their community. Delivered through Scouting, the award includes volunteering, learning a new skill, taking part in physical activity, and completing an expedition as part of a team. Whether they work towards Bronze, Silver, or Gold, Explorers gain confidence, independence, and real-life experience that stays with them for the rest of their lives. It’s a powerful way for young people to push their boundaries while living the values of Scouting.

The Explorer Belt is a truly challenging award that takes Explorers on a unique international adventure. Working in small teams, participants plan and undertake a 10-day expedition in another country, completing projects and meeting local people to learn about their culture and way of life. The award encourages resilience, teamwork, leadership, and open-mindedness as Explorers step far outside their comfort zone. Earning the Explorer Belt is a remarkable achievement that celebrates personal growth, cultural understanding, and the spirit of global Scouting.

The Young Leader Scheme gives Explorer Scouts the chance to take on real leadership roles by supporting Beaver, Cub, or Scout sections. Through a series of training modules and practical missions, Young Leaders learn how to plan activities, manage behaviour, communicate effectively, and work as part of a leadership team. It’s a hands-on programme that builds confidence, responsibility, and valuable life skills, while making a meaningful contribution to the younger sections. Completing the scheme is a significant achievement and an excellent foundation for future volunteering or youth leadership.

The Scouts of the World Award encourages young people to make a real difference by taking action on global issues that matter to them. Focusing on themes such as environment, peace, and sustainable development, participants complete a period of learning before planning and delivering a meaningful community project — locally or internationally. The award develops leadership, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of global citizenship, empowering young people to create positive change. Achieving the Scouts of the World Award is a powerful demonstration of commitment to helping build a better world.