Top Awards in Scouting

This page shows and details the various Youth Awards in Scouting, achievable for Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer and Network Scouts. For adult awards, see here.

Please read on to find the awards that pertain to your young person and their journey through Scouting.

Top Awards within the Squirrels Section

Chief Scout’s Acorn Award

The Chief Scout’s Acorn Award is the top award in the Squirrels Section. It is often the mark of a Squirrel that has taken to Scouting with joy. It is achieved by completing 4 Squirrel Challenge Badges, each of which pose their own learning experiences and are achievements in their own right. Each Challenge badge is structured to provide a broad Scouting experience. 2 Squirrel Activity Badges must also be achieved to qualify. The award is worn until the young person achieves the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award  as a Beaver Scout, or graduates to Cub Scout

Top Awards within the Beavers Section

Chief Scout’s Silver Award

The Chief Scout’s Bronze Award is the top award in the Beavers Section. It is often the mark of a Beaver that shows persistent commitment and enthusiasm. It is achieved by completing 6 Cub Challenge Badges, each of which pose their own learning experiences and are achievements in their own right. Each Challenge badge is structured to provide a broad Scouting experience. 4 Beaver Activity Badges (circular ones on the arm) must also be achieved to qualify. The award is worn until the young person achieves the Chief Scout’s Silver Award  as a Cub Scout, or graduates to Scout.

Top Awards within the Cubs Section

Chief Scout’s Silver Award

The Chief Scout’s Silver Award is the top award in the Cubs Section. It is often the mark of a Cub that shows great potential and dedication. It is achieved by completing 7 Cub Challenge Badges (diamond ones on the chest), each of which pose their own learning experiences and are achievements in their own right. Each Challenge badge will take a number of evenings to complete, structured to provide a broad Scouting experience. 6 Cub Activity Badges (circular ones on the arm) must also be achieved to qualify. The award is worn until the young person achieves the Chief Scout’s Gold Award as a Scout, or graduates to Explorer Scout.

Top Awards within the Scouts Section

Chief Scout’s Gold Award

The Chief Scout’s Gold Award is the top award in the Scouts Section. It is arguably the most well-known award and is considered the mark of a true Scout. It is achieved by completing 9 Scout Challenge Badges (diamond ones on the chest), each of which pose their own learning experiences and are achievements in their own right. Each Challenge badge will take a number of evenings to complete, structured to provide a broad Scouting experience. 6 Scout Activity Badges (circular ones on the arm) must also be achieved to qualify. It is considered the litmus test for a well-rounded Scouting experience. The award is worn until the age of 18, or until the young person achieves the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award in the Explorer Section, or graduates to the Scout Network. It is usually awarded alongside a golden woggle, which is worn in perpetuity, commonly worn by King’s Scouts.

Top Awards within the Explorer Scouts & the Scout Network

Chief Scout’s Diamond Award

The Chief Scout’s Diamond Award is the penultimate award in Scouting – the step before the King’s Scout Award. The Award is linked closely to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award and it is worth working on the two awards together. It involves showing a marked improvement in several varied areas, such as physical ability and practical skills, as well as volunteering commitment. Expressing international, community and values education is also required. The award is worn until the age of 25, or until the young person achieves the King’s Scout Award.

Chief Scout’s Platinum Award

The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award is the award prior to the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award. The Award is linked closely to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and it is worth working on the two awards together. It involves showing a marked improvement in several varied areas, such as physical ability and practical skills, as well as volunteering commitment. Expressing international, community and values education is also required. The award is worn until the age of 25, or until the young person achieves the Chief Scout’s Diamond Award.

Overall Highest Awards

King’s Scout Award

The King’s Scout Award (KSA) is the highest youth award in Scouting, and is worn in perpetuity. It comprises a number of components, often including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, and is achievable in the Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network.  The Award is linked closely to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award and it is worth working on the two awards together.

Other

Scouts of the World Award

The Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) is the top achievement in the Scout Network (18-25).  It is one of the rarest Top Awards, carrying the highest volunteering time requirement, and is worn in perpetuity. It requires at least 80 hours of independent project management within volunteering.

Explorer Belt

The Explorer Belt (EB) is the top achievement for Explorer Scouts (14.5-18) and can also be completed in the Scout Network (18-25). It requires an assessed international expedition in a foreign country over at least 10 days. Both a cloth badge (as shown) and a metal belt buckle are awarded, and it is worn in perpetuity.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Gold Award is achievable in both the Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network. It is a well-renowned award, worn in perpetuity, that is usually completed in tandem with the King’s Scout Award (KSA). It involves showing a marked improvement in several varied areas, such as physical ability and practical skills, as well as volunteering commitment.

Young Leader’s Belt

The Young Leaders’ (YL) Belt is considered a top award for Explorer Scouts (14.5-18). It involves volunteering with a different youth section (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) for an extended period. Upon completing the Challenges and Modules associated with the role, the belt is awarded and worn in perpetuity. Cloth badges are also awarded, which can be worn until graduation to the Scout Network.

The Brian Trubshaw Award

The Cheshire Hike was established in 1964. Its founder was Brian Kershaw, who organised the hike for twenty-five years before his passing in 1990. The original Brian Kershaw Trophy was awarded to the highest scoring new team to the Cheshire Hike.
It was decided to make this more exclusive and special for the refresh and re-launch of Cheshire Hike in 2021. The specially designed Brian Kershaw Black & Gold Woggle is for those who have completed every age category of Cheshire Hike. This makes it an “exclusive club” for those Scouts and Guides who have covered the three progressive route distances of 30kms, 40kms and 50-60kms.

The Earth Tribe Award

The Earth Tribe Award is about helping to understand more about protecting our world. Find out how you can be a champion for nature, learn about the benefits of solar power or turn the tide against plastic waste. There is an Earth Tribe Award for each section from squirrels up to Network.

Other Awards

• The Scout Wings Award is a badge for feats such as parachute jumps and independent flights in aircraft. It is worn in perpetuity under POR 10.21.1.6 and is still awarded by several Air Scout groups.