A fantastic day of celebration: inspiring stories from Windsor

24 April was a day to remember for many.

For the first time in three years, we held our special Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle. With the sun shining, more than 1,700 smiling faces gathered to cheer on our young people and volunteers.

Many Scouts were celebrating their Queen’s Scout Award: the highest honour for young people in Scouts. The award is given to 18-25-year-olds for outstanding personal achievement.

Other Scouts earned Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Awards, after being nominated for their heroism and bravery. Cornwell Scout Badge award holders also enjoyed the day, celebrating their awards for high character and devotion to duty. 

It wasn’t just young people celebrating their awards, either. We were pleased to see some of our outstanding adult volunteers being recognised for their dedication to Scouts, and for giving so many young people skills for life.

It was a fantastic day of celebration, and one that many guests will remember forever. We’re so proud of all our award holders and what they’ve achieved. You’re truly inspirational.

'Queen’s Scout Award recipients are the absolute pinnacle of determination, grit and perseverance,’ said Bear Grylls, Chief Scout. ‘They’ve contributed to their communities and developed skills along the way, and earning their Queen’s Scout Awards is just another step in their journey to personal growth. These Scouts are an inspiration to all others around the world thanks to their hard work and I find myself full of admiration for every single one of them.'

It’s days like this we hear so many incredible stories from Scouts all over the country. We thought we’d share just some from a few inspirational Scouts that captured our hearts:

Shaun’s story

One true hero is Shaun, a 10-year-old Cub at Central Johnstone.

Shaun has Trisomy 8 mosaicism, a rare chromosome syndrome. Shaun’s condition has affected many parts of his body, as well as his communication and development. Shaun’s been through a lot - he was born with a cleft palate, and he recently had surgery to save his hearing.

Shaun takes a bit longer to process information, and sometimes struggles with his speech. When he was diagnosed, Shaun and his family were told he might never walk, talk, or smile. Thankfully, he’s managed to do it all.

Shaun’s volunteers nominated him for a Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Award after he saved his mum’s life in December 2020. On a seemingly usual morning before school, 9-year-old Shaun found his mum having a seizure. Immediately, he called 999, told the emergency services what was happening, and directed the pandemics to his house. Shaun’s bravery also earned him an award from the Scottish Ambulance.

Shaun’s mum, Anne, says ‘We’re so proud of what Shaun manages to achieve every day, and I’ll never forget what he’s done for me. Shaun really enjoyed the day at Windsor - he especially loved the bands and watching the Queen’s Scout parade. When we joined the parade, he loved giving lots of high fives (Shaun thinks he gave about 1,000 high fives that day!)’

Shaun says ‘I’d never met an astronaut before, so I was very excited to meet Tim Peake. Bear Grylls is my buddy, so I was excited to meet him too and give him a high five!’

Louis’ story

Louis' a Beaver at 1st Byers Green, who has Becker’s muscular dystrophy. His condition means he needs to use a wheelchair, and he sometimes struggles with mobility when he’s out and about.

Over time, Louis’ muscles will weaken more, and he has a shortened life expectancy. Even though Louis wakes up in pain, he always goes to Beavers with a smile on his face, and takes part in all the activities.

Louis also faces challenges due to the neurological behaviours that come with the disease. Despite these challenges, he’s created a strong bond with his volunteers, and always joins in with everyone. Louis’ progressed so much in Scouts, from sitting on the sidelines, to becoming a true voice in his group.

Louis earned himself a Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Award after fundraising for research into his condition. He’s managed to raise an incredible £5,000 through his JustGiving page, Love for Louis.

Louis says ‘My favourite parts of the weekend was the train, the food and meeting famous people!’

Louis’ mum, Sarah, says ‘Louis became a Beaver as soon as he was old enough and has thrived from the start. It’s a place where he feels comfortable and has the same opportunities as his peers. We had such a lovely time at Windsor, and feel so proud and privileged to be part of such a special occasion. Louis looked so smart, and it made him feel very special.’

Jack’s story

Jack’s a 10-year-old Cub at 74^th Silverdale.

After saving his dad’s life, Jack’s been hailed a hero. He was at home with his dad, Adrian, who was cooking his tea. Suddenly, Adrian started having a chronic asthma attack. Jack was just 7 years old at the time. He stayed calm and collected, but acted quickly.

He immediately dialled 999, giving their home address and clear details about his dad’s condition. Jack then spotted the ambulance going the wrong way, so he helped direct it to his house in Knutton. Adrian was rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s resus room, and he’s now continuing his recovery at home.

Jack visited Windsor Castle to celebrate receiving a Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Award for his bravery.

Jack’s dad, Adrian, says ‘Jack had a fabulous weekend - we also went to Thorpe Park! He’s very proud he received his award, and he was so excited to meet Bear Grylls.’

Jack says ‘My best moment was meeting Bear Grylls, and I was so proud to represent my group, 74^th Silverdale Scouts.’