A PAIR of Solihull Scouts have been handed the King’s Scout Award.
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls bestowed Alice Bennett and Joshua Backaus with their honours at a special event at Windsor Castle on Saturday (April 21).
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Andrew Try joined Bear Grylls in congratulating the duo on achieving the highest award in Scouting for adventure and skill development.
The Scouts were also joined by fellow Ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Warwick Davis, Ellie Simmonds and Megan Hines as well as family and friends.
The award is presented for outstanding personal achievement for those aged between 16 and 25 years old.
Joshua is the lead volunteer at a Explorer Scout unit where he helped it grow from four members to 20-plus.
He has also organised community litter picks and twinned the Scout Hut toilets with the Toilet Twinning charity.
The 24-year-old said: “Doing the award has such a brilliant sense of achievement at the end as it is such hard work.
“I have been well supported and have been able to gain confidence, especially in public speaking, as well as improving my own interpersonal and communication skills.”
Scout ambassador and polar explorer, Dwayne Fields who was also in attendance said: “A huge congratulations to Alice from Solihull, on achieving their Queen’s Scout Award – the pinnacle achievement in Scouts.
“Alice has reached the end of an incredible journey where they have 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.
“Alice is one of our leaders of the future and it’s humbling and inspiring to be alongside them on such a special day.”
Speaking in Windsor Bear Grylls said: “Gaining this award is the pinnacle of their Scouting journey.
“They have 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.”
The annual Windsor Castle event has been held since 1934 on the Sunday nearest to St. George’s Day (April 23).
The award has transitioned back to the King’s Scout Award in 2023 following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
Over 100,000 Queen’s Scout Awards were presented to men and women for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities during her reign.
