High Flyers – Lincolnshire Scouts celebrate awards success at RAF Scampton with the Red Arrows!

Over the last year, Scouts across Lincolnshire who have achieved one of the Scouts top awards in 2017/18 were recognised at a special event at the Heritage Centre at RAF Scampton. Michelle Nelson who supports The Scouts top awards across Lincolnshire said

“Young people achieve these awards by showing determination, commitment and personal development over a period of time. We are delighted to recognise so many of our young people’s achievements over the year. The Chief Scout’s awards are a culmination of everything that young people do in Scouting. To achieve these awards, young people develop and challenge themselves in many new ways. Spending time in new places, meeting new people and developing communication, organisational and teamwork skills.”

As well as the Chief Scout’s awards, Duke of Edinburgh and Queens Scouts awards were also presented. Those who achieve a DofE Award will volunteer, learn a skill, get fit, plan and undertake an expedition and take part in a week long residential (gold only). Widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people, DofE programmes enable any young person, aged 14-24, to develop key skills for life and work, such as confidence, commitment and team working.

Also recognised were Explorer Scout Young Leaders (aged 14-18) who volunteer alongside adult volunteers in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. They are a valuable asset to any leadership team, Explorer Scout Young Leaders play an active role in the section, bringing a range of fresh ideas to the table, and acting as positive role models for the young people they work alongside.’

The Explorer Belt is a challenge of a lifetime. It is a chance to take part in a ten-day expedition that brings you a real understanding of a different country, its culture and way of life. You will develop this understanding by travelling through your chosen country, working as part of a small team to complete a series of projects and most importantly by meeting local people. It is an experience and an achievement that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Thanks are due to RAF Scampton who provided a fantastic backdrop to celebrate these prestigious awards. RAF Scampton, Station Commander – Wing Commander Parker and Flight Lieutenant Simmonds (Red 3) of the Red Arrows joined Ellie Compton – Lincolnshire Scouts County Commissioner to present the awards. Their inspiring speeches also showed how the skills developed through the scout award schemes link to real life employment opportunities.

Will Baldock (27) from Lincolnshire Scouts said “this is the first youth awards event of this type for many years. As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life. We encourage our young people to do more, learn more and be more. The determination, commitment and effort shown by all the young people here today as well as those unable to attend is testament to the inspiring programme being delivered across the county by our amazing volunteer leaders”.