Every year, Scouts from around the country gather on the Sunday after St George’s Day at Windsor Castle. There’s something special about these Scouts though. They’ve achieved something special, and put a lot of hard work and determination into getting there. They are Queen Scouts; holders of the Queen Scout Award – the highest youth award in Scouting. In recognition of their achievement, HM The Queen has permitted them to march into the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle (the only non-military personnel so permitted).

In order to become a Queen Scout, a Scout must dedicate regular time to volunteering, learn a new skill, develop themselves physically in a sport, and show fortitude on an expedition in wild country. It’s no mean feat. In completing the award, Scouts show that they selflessly live out their Promise to help other people, their commitment to our Scout Values and develop skills for life.

This year, Bath Scouts had three of its members in attendance, two of which came from Bathampton. Beth Probert, our Assistant Cub Leader and Youth Commissioner for Bath, attended as a Queen Scout and took an extra special role as a member of the colour party. As a member of the Colour Party, Beth had to take part in much practice, help in the preparations for the event and take centre stage in the Quadrangle during the parade itself. She said of the day “I really enjoyed myself! It hasn’t quite sunk in about what I’ve just done!”. She was congratulated and thanked by Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, on the lawn before being dismissed.

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Also in attendance was Tracey Stevenson, our Cub Leader, who volunteered as a steward as part of the Queen Scout Working Party (having received her Queen Scout Award in 2015 previous year).

To find out more about what is involved in completing the Queen Scout Award, or to join us on our next adventure, as a young person or adult volunteer, get in touch today!