Your Scouts are always striving to be their best, so why not encourage them to aim for the Chief Scout Award? It’s one of the biggest and most prestigious achievements in Scouting, available across all levels—Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, and Scout Network. But how can they earn this incredible award?
In this guide, we’ll explore what the Chief Scout Award is, the different levels Scouts can work towards, and the amazing personal development opportunities it offers.
The History of the Chief Scout Award
The Chief Scout Award was first introduced to celebrate exceptional achievements in Scouting. Over the years, it has evolved to stay relevant to modern young people while remaining true to the principles set out by the Scouting movement over a century ago.
More than just a badge, the Chief Scout Award represents personal growth, resilience, and accomplishment. Each Scouting section—Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers—has its own version of the award, designed to match the age group’s abilities and goals.
By working towards these awards, young people develop key skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, while building independence and responsibility. The awards are challenging but achievable, helping Scouts feel proud and accomplished when they reach their goals.
The Different Levels of Chief Scout Awards
The Chief Scout Awards are designed to challenge and inspire young people at every stage of their Scouting journey. Each award corresponds to a specific age group, ensuring that Scouts can develop their skills, confidence, and resilience as they progress. These awards serve as key milestones, encouraging participants to take on new adventures, learn valuable life skills, and contribute to their communities.
Let’s take a closer look at the different levels and what they involve.
Chief Scout Bronze & Silver Award
The Bronze and Silver Chief Scout Awards are the first major milestones in a young Scout’s journey, designed to introduce them to new challenges and experiences in a fun and supportive way. The Bronze Award is for Beavers (aged 6-8) and helps them develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of adventure through activities that encourage creativity, outdoor exploration, and community involvement.
As Scouts progress to Cubs (aged 8-10½), they can work towards the Silver Award, which builds on these foundations with more responsibility and greater challenges. This stage encourages Cubs to take on leadership roles, develop problem-solving skills, and engage in outdoor adventures that prepare them for the next step in their Scouting experience.
To earn the Bronze & Silver Awards, Beavers & Cubs complete six challenge badges which can include the following:
- My World Challenge Award – Beavers and Cubs learn about their local community by meeting people who serve it, such as police officers, firefighters, or community nurses. They also develop valuable skills to support their community.
- My Skills Challenge Award – This award promotes health and fitness through fun activities with peers. Beavers and Cubs might teach a game, take part in creative projects, or complete problem-solving missions as a team.
- My Outdoors Challenge Award – Beavers and Cubs get hands-on experience with nature by putting up tents, identifying wildlife, and exploring the great outdoors.
- My Adventure Challenge Award – This challenge is all about trying new adventures. Beavers and Cubs can take part in activities like climbing or archery while also learning important safety skills, such as the Green Cross Code.
- Teamwork Challenge Award – This award helps Beavers and Cubs develop teamwork skills, whether by taking the lead on a project or showing support for their teammates. After all, teamwork makes the dream work!
- Personal Challenge Award – To earn this badge, Beavers and Cubs must complete two personal challenges. This could be looking after a new Beaver or trying something they’re nervous about, helping them build confidence and leadership skills.
These activities help them build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and spark curiosity about the world. It’s the perfect foundation for their Scouting journey and encourages them to embrace new experiences.
For Cubs working towards their Silver Award, the challenges get a little more advanced, helping them take the skills they’ve learned as Beavers to the next level.
Overcoming Challenges at This Stage
For younger Scouts, confidence-building and learning to work in teams can be tricky at first. Support from leaders and parents makes a huge difference, helping them stay motivated and engaged.
Gold Chief Scout Award
The Gold Chief Scout Award is aimed at Scouts aged 10½ to 14 and marks the culmination of their time in the Scout section. To achieve it, Scouts must complete six activity or staged activity badges of their choice and complete nine challenge awards, including:
- World Challenge Award – With this challenge, Scouts will choose an aspect of their local community to learn more about, spend a day volunteering, and take an active part in an environmental project.
- Skills Challenge Award – Here, Scouts can develop a variety of skills, whether it’s improving in a physical activity like football or swimming or learning practical skills such as using a washing machine or changing a lightbulb.
- Creative Challenge Award – For this award, Scouts will explore creative activities such as music, photography, woodwork, or website design. They’ll then showcase how they’ve developed these skills.
- Outdoors Challenge Award – This badge presents a challenging yet rewarding experience. Scouts will spend eight nights away, learning how to pitch a tent, light an open fire, and follow the Countryside Code—helping them build essential survival skills.
- Adventure Challenge Award – To complete this award, Scouts must take part in four different adventurous activities, which could include abseiling, water skiing, or other outdoor challenges. They will also need to demonstrate how they’ve developed their skills.
- Expedition Challenge Award -To earn this award, Scouts must take part in an expedition or exploration with their peers, ensuring they play an active role in both planning and participation throughout the experience.
- Teamwork Challenge Award – This badge is earned by actively contributing to a Scouts team, working together to achieve a specific goal while developing leadership and cooperation skills.
- Team Leader Challenge Award – Scouts will hone their leadership abilities by successfully leading a Scouts team at camp or helping a fellow Scout integrate into a troop—offering guidance and support when needed.
- Personal Challenge Award – This challenge focuses on personal growth, requiring Scouts to take on two personal challenges—whether that’s pushing themselves outside their comfort zone or supporting their peers in their own development.
This award pushes Scouts to apply their skills in more demanding scenarios, encouraging leadership, creativity, and responsibility.
PGL offers the perfect environment for Scouts to work towards the Gold Award, with activities like navigation, teamwork challenges, and expeditions. It’s a great way to support their progress and help them thrive. Learn more about how you can earn your scouts badge at PGL!
Platinum Chief Scout Award
The Platinum Chief Scout Award is for Explorers aged 14 to 18 and marks a significant step in their Scouting journey. At this stage, Scouts are expected to take on more responsibility, step outside their comfort zones, and develop essential leadership and life skills. This award challenges Explorers to become more independent and proactive, with a focus on personal growth, teamwork, and contributing to their communities.
To earn it, Explorers need to:
- Complete two activities from different areas from the Platinum International, Community and Values list.
- Have been a member for at least six months.
- Sleep six nights away as an Explorer Scout (four should be camping).
- Have earned the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or complete the four Platinum Scout Challenges. These are:
- Adopt a physical activity for three months.
- Adopt a skill for three months.
- Provide service to an individual or the community for three months.
- Go on a two-day and one-night expedition in a rural country by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat, or dinghy.
The Platinum Award is all about pushing boundaries and preparing for future successes, such as the Diamond or King’s Scout Award.
Chief Scout Diamond Award
The Diamond Chief Scout Award is the ultimate achievement for Explorers and one of Scouting’s most prestigious honours. It represents the highest level of recognition, requiring exceptional dedication, leadership, and perseverance. Earning this award is a significant accomplishment that showcases a Scout’s commitment to Scouting values and their ability to inspire others.
To prepare for the Diamond Award, Explorers must take on leadership roles, tackle challenging projects, and continually push themselves to grow. It’s not just about completing tasks—it’s about demonstrating a sustained commitment to personal development and making a positive impact within the Scouting community.
To earn it, explorers need to:
- “Be a member of Explorer Scouts or the Scout Network or both for at least 12 months. This can include any time counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award.
- Complete 12 nights away as an Explorer Scout or member of the Scout Network, of which eight must be camping. This may include the nights counted for the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award.
- Complete two activities from the list of Diamond International, Community and Values activities. These should be different activities from the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award and not from the same area. (If you have not completed your Platinum award you should complete 4 activities)
- Hold the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or complete the four Diamond Challenges, which are:
- take up a skill for three or six months, and show progress and lasting interest. The skill can be an existing interest or something entirely new.
- take up a physical activity for three or six months, completing an agreed programme of taking part and achievement.
- provide service to an individual or the community for six months. Briefing and training should be given in order to gain the necessary skills. This may include helping with another section as a Young Leader.
- complete a three day and two night expedition in rural or open country by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy.
- The expedition should involve careful preparation, training, responsibility and review.
- All Members should complete six months in either the physical activity or the skill.”
The expedition should involve careful preparation, training, responsibility, and review. All members should complete six months in either the physical activity or the skill.
The Diamond Award is a shining example of what young people can achieve when they set goals, persevere, and inspire others. It’s an accomplishment they’ll carry with them for life.
Benefits of Earning the Chief Scout Award
The Chief Scout Award is about more than badges and ceremonies. It’s a transformative experience that equips young people with the skills and confidence they need to navigate life’s challenges. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Personal Growth: Scouts develop confidence, resilience, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on activities and challenges.
- Teamwork and Leadership: Working alongside peers helps Scouts improve their communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, preparing them for future challenges.
- A Sense of Accomplishment: The satisfaction of achieving the Chief Scout Award inspires pride and motivates Scouts to pursue future goals, creating a lifelong mindset of achievement.
- Future Preparation: The skills gained through Scouting prepare young people for challenges in education, work, and beyond. The awards also highlight initiative and leadership, making Scouts stand out in applications for universities and jobs.
- Community Impact: The service elements of the award encourage Scouts to engage with their communities, fostering empathy, kindness, and a sense of civic responsibility.
Through the Chief Scout Award, Scouts are not just earning badges—they are building a foundation for a brighter future.
Chief Scout Award FAQs
The Chief Scout Award is a significant milestone in any Scout’s journey, but the process can raise many questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help clarify what’s involved and how Scouts can work towards this prestigious achievement.
- How long does it take to earn the Chief Scout Award?
It varies by section, but typically it takes a few months to a couple of years, depending on the level.
- Can you start working towards it at any time?
Yes, Scouts can begin working on their Chief Scout Award as soon as they join a section.
- What if a Scout doesn’t complete it in their current section?
No problem! They can carry their skills and experiences forward to the next level of Scouting.
Book your Scout adventure with PGL!
Did you know that you can work towards Scout badges at PGL?
Whether you’re planning a group residential trip or just looking for an adventure, PGL offers a range of activities to suit every scout troop. From problem-solving workshops and outdoor challenges to expedition preparation, we create the perfect environment for Scouts to thrive.
Our experienced programmers can tailor activities to match badge requirements, helping Scouts take steps towards achieving their Chief Scout Award. It’s not just about ticking off challenges—it’s about creating lasting memories, building confidence, and inspiring a love for adventure.
Ready to add in some adventure for your scout troop? Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our tailored programmes and book your PGL adventure!
We have a range of Group Adventures to choose from, including Girlguiding residentials, Scout residentials, Youth Club & Trust residential, Other Uniform residentials and many more!
