Chief Scout Bear Grylls honoured Chillerton resident Ginny Treadgold at a special event at Windsor Castle last week (21st April). The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Andrew Try, joined Bear Grylls in congratulating Ginny on achieving the highest award in Scouting for adventure and skill development, the King’s Scout Award. Scouts were also joined by fellow Ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Ellie Simmonds and Megan Hines in front of family and friends in what was a fantastic celebration of achievement. The award is presented for outstanding personal achievement and is achieved by Scouts aged between 16 and 25-years-old. The young people have to complete a range of challenges, including service to their community, an expedition in wild country, a 5-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. Chief Scout, Bear Grylls 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. Ginny 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.’
Ginny, who is preparing for a career in the Merchant Navy, was a member of 1st Brighstone Scout Group and Brighstone Explorer Scout Unit, said:
“My King’s Scout Award has provided me with a challenge and an enjoyable one too. I’ve had the opportunity to take up archery and compete in competitions too. Completing my award has prepared me with many life skills such as leadership and communication, it has also given me great confidence. I’ve volunteered as a Scout Leader and also taught archery as an instructor. I’ve been really challenged and pushed on expedition, which makes the award even more worthwhile.”
The annual Windsor Castle event has been held since 1934 on the Sunday nearest to St. George’s Day (23rd April). 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 its 71 year reign. Dave Simpson, lead volunteer at Isle of Wight Scouts said:
“The King’s Scout Award is the pinnacle of achievement for a young person in Scouting. Well done Ginny! Scouting is the largest voluntary sector provider of activities for young people on the Isle of Wight but without the support of adult volunteers none of this would be possible. We have uniformed and non-uniformed volunteer roles in Scout Groups and Units across the Island and welcome enquiries via www.scouts.org.uk/join or our Facebook page @IsleofWightScouts.”
Well done you should be very proud of yourself it’s something which you will never forget. Wish you all the best for your future I’m sure it will be a good one
In Poland we have no king but we this fun badge that works as the scouting pinnacle in my experience. It’s only for scouts 16+ of age and it’s called Robinson M. M as in Master. You get 7 matches and a hunting knife and have to survive 7 days in the wilderness alone. Just clothes on you, no backpack, food or tent – you got to properly take care of yourself like an adult. It’s quite cool especially if you happen to do it during holiday camp in Bieszczady or Tatry mountains. I remember being very excited to do it in high school 🙂