Why we need to celebrate our young people's achievements

We all know our young people are amazing. We see that every week in Scouts, and we’re always proud to recognise their achievements with our badges and awards. But sometimes there are young people who do something truly extraordinary.

This could be raising money for a good cause; getting through an incredibly tough illness or helping someone in urgent need. Whatever it is, we think it’s really worth celebrating their courage, kindness and incredible spirit of determination and resilience.

Celebrating our young people

That’s why, three years ago, our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls introduced his Unsung Heroes Awards. He personally provides £10,000 each year so that 20 young people in UK Scouting can each receive a £500 prize for their amazing efforts. They’re also invited to a special ceremony where they meet Bear and the other winners. For the last two years, this has taken place at the Bear Grylls Adventure in Birmingham, where the winners and their families have got to try out some of the amazing activities too, including indoor freefall and even swimming with sharks!

Last year, I was privileged to be on the judging panel. And what a tough job we had, looking through hundreds of entries, being inspired by our Scouts’ creativity and generosity. This year, I’ll be helping with the judging again, and I know the standard will be just as high.

Some amazing stories

We love telling our Unsung Heroes’ stories. Why? Because they show Scouting at its best. These are Scouts like 17 year old Kieran, from Scotland, who stepped in when he saw a man in distress in the street, stayed calm, and called for help. Or 17 year old Nicole from Northern Ireland, who has achieved so much despite having as serious medical condition – and is now an ambassador and spokesperson for a national charity.

Then there’s Jonathan, who cycled 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats. It took him just 21 days and he helped raise over £12,000 towards the refurbishment of his Group’s meeting place.

We also loved hearing about Neo aged 10, who set up Treats For Kids in 2020 when he realised children were going through a tough time in pandemic. Through his Treats For Kids appeals he’s donated nearly 6,000 treats to children working with 12 different charities and organisations in Essex and East London.

Nominate a young person today

So if you’re an adult volunteer in UK Scouts, and know a young person aged 4-24 who’s gone ‘above and beyond’ and deserves to be recognised with one of Bear’s Unsung Heroes Awards, then please nominate them today.

We’re particularly keen to encourage nominations for young people from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.

It’s easy to nominate and it’s not a lengthy process by any means. Nominations close on 31 March, so please don’t delay! Thank you.