Adventurer Bear Grylls and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, have recognised the “determination, grit, and perseverance” of over 20 inspirational Scouts and volunteers from across Wales as part of a prestigious awards ceremony.
Bear Grylls and Prince Edward were joined by fellow Scouting ambassadors: actor Warwick Davies, TV presenter and adventurer Dwayne Fields and explorer Megan Hine. The celebs were there to recognise the outstanding achievements of both adults and young people in Scouting over the past 12 months, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle on April 28th.
The Queen’s Scout’s Award is the highest Scouting honour awarded for outstanding personal achievement. Those receiving it on the day included Welsh Scouts Jessica Wicks from Cardiff North, Jack Knight from Llangollen, Sol Ashley from Llanidloes, Penelope Dell-Smith from Wrexham, Catherine Levell from Wrexham, Explorers Jack Harvey and Philip Higton both from Conwy, and Explorers Rhys Benson, Kieran Cooke and Jordan Keast from Merthyr Tydfil.
The Welsh youngsters were among over 300 highly achieving young people to receive recognition for their personal achievements across a range of challenges.
These include service to their community, completing an expedition in wild country, undertaking a five-day residential project in a new environment, and developing an existing talent or learning some new skills.
On the outstanding achievements of the Queen’s Scout’s winners, Chief Scout Bear said he found himself “full of admiration”.
Jessica Wicks, a 23-year-old Scout leader from Cardiff said she was thrilled to receive the Queens Scout Award.
She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Queen’s Scout Award, as it is something I have always worked incredibly hard towards achieving. “I couldn’t have done this without the support of my Scouting family.”
Alongside the young people, 14 volunteers from Wales were recognised during the event with the St George’s Day Awards, which aim to celebrate their exceptional service and contribution to Scouting.
Roger Kingdom from Penarth and Mike Lewis were gifted The Silver Wolf Award in recognition of services to Scouting of the most exceptional nature. Introduced by Lord Baden-Powell, The Silver Wolf Award remains the Scout Association’s highest award for service to Scouting.
While Steve Barkley, from Cardiff, Paul Willicombe, and Pat Hillman, received the Bar to the Silver Acorn. The Silver Acorn, which is handed out to those who have dedicated 20 years’ service to Scouting, was awarded to John Littlechild MBE of Cardiff, Sarah Riby of Afan Nedd, Pat Thomas of Neath, Lorna Corbin in Chepstow, Gwyn James, Stephen Rogers of Caldicot, and Chris Hollis of Ceredigion.
Finally the Bar to the Award for Merit was given to Nicola Gamlen of Hawarden for 22 years’ of outstanding service.
Supporting over 14,000 young people in Wales gain skills for life, Rhian Moore, Chief Commissioner of Wales, said she was “incredibly proud of and grateful to” all the volunteers who were recognised.
She said: “We are absolutely blown away with the amazing achievements, commitment and dedication of these inspirational individuals who have gone above and beyond in their role as volunteers.
“We are very proud of the fact that each week in Wales, we give over 14,000 young girls and boys the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure, while developing the skills they need to succeed, now and in the future.