A DROITWICH scout ambassador has received a prestigious accolade at Windsor Castle, thanks to his dedication to the movement, along with kindness, courage and commitment.
Marc was presented with The King’s Scout Award from Chief Scout and inspirational survival expert Bear Grylls at the event which was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try.
The award, also received by two others from Hereford on the same day, is the highest award in scouting for adventure and skill development.
The scouts were also joined by fellow Ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Ellie Simmonds and Megan Hines and were presented with their accolade in front of family and friends.
King’s Scout Award
The King’s Scout Award for those aged between 16 and 25 is presented for outstanding personal achievement.
The young people are tasked with completing a range of challenges, including service to their community, an expedition in wild country, a five-day residential project in a new environment, developing an existing talent, or learning some new skills to build on what they have already learnt in the Scouts.
The impact they are having in their local communities is evident from the work they have completed with the volunteering they have each carried out.
Bear said: “I am so proud to celebrate the achievements of the King’s Scouts here today at Windsor.
“Gaining this award is the pinnacle of their Scouting journey.
“Marc has demonstrated courage and kindness, alongside a true ‘never give up’ spirit, and shown scouting values to the highest of standards.
“They’ve contributed hugely to their communities and developed many skills along the way.
“These scouts are an inspiration to us all due to their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work – I am full of pride for every single one of them.”
Young people such as Marc will have shown dedication and a willingness to learn all they can, which will provide them with opportunities to gain skills for life.
King’s Scout Marc said: “Working on my King’s Scout Award has really helped build my confidence.”
He has volunteered at his local cub scout pack, learnt to sew, played hockey for a local team and completed a five-day expedition.
He added: “I have also supported my local foodbank and completed an international Scout Camp to Norway.
“I am now looking forward to exploring new opportunities that lie ahead both inside and outside of Scouting.”
Speaking on the day, Scout Ambassador and Polar Explorer, Dwayne added: “A huge congratulations to Marc from Droitwich on achieving his top Scout Award – the pinnacle achievement in Scouts.
“He has reached the end of an incredible journey and has demonstrated kindness, courage and commitment.
“They’ve helped other people, supported their local community, tested their limits and learned new skills along the way.
“Their Scout spirit shines so bright today here at our annual Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle, one of the true highlights of the Scout year.
“They are leaders of the future and it’s humbling and inspiring to be alongside them on such a special day.”
The annual Scouting Day of Celebration
The annual Windsor Castle event has been held since 1934 on the Sunday nearest to St George’s Day.
St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting as well as England.
The award has transitioned back to the King’s Scout Award in 2023 following the sad loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Over 100,000 Queen’s Scout Awards were presented to young men and women for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities during
her 71-year reign.
Scouting offers over 200 different activities varying from archery to kayaking with all of them being tailored to help young people develop skills for life in the most effective way possible.
