Badge Work
Scouts of all ages work toward various awards and are recognized with badges for their achievements. From Circus Skills and Street Sports to Imagination and Public Relations, there is a wide range of Activity Badges available in each Section, offering choices that cater to diverse interests. Your child’s hobbies can also contribute to earning both Activity Badges and Progressive Training Awards.

For younger sections, badges are often awarded for trying new activities and doing their best, while Scouts have some badges that require specific standards to be met. Generally, the effort needed to earn a badge, as well as the standards required, increase as Scouts progress through the Sections. Additionally, several staged Activity Badges are designed to provide a consistent approach across all Sections.

The staged Activity Badges include: Air Activities, Community Impact, Digital Citizen, Digital Maker, Emergency Aid, Hike Away, Musician, Nautical Skills, Navigator, Nights Away, Paddle Sports, Sailing, Swimmer, and Time on the Water.

Each Staged Activity Badge has at least five levels, with some offering more, allowing young people to earn badges that reflect their skill level. For example, a Beaver Scout who excels at swimming can earn a higher-level swimming badge than a Scout who is new to the activity.

Scouts can also earn “Joining In” awards, which reflect the number of years a member has consistently participated in the Scout Programme. Only the highest-numbered “Joining In” badge is worn.

Each Section has a variety of Challenge Badges, which can be completed individually or in groups. Completing these challenges can lead to earning the Chief Scout’s Award, the highest award for each Section, worn with pride on the uniform:

Squirrel Scouts – Acorn Chief Scout’s Award
Beaver Scouts – Bronze Chief Scout’s Award
Cub Scouts – Silver Chief Scout’s Award
Scouts – Gold Chief Scout’s Award
Explorers – Platinum & Kings Scout Awards

When your child is ready to advance to the next Section, they will be eligible for a Moving On Award. Occasionally, your child may be asked to complete tasks at home that contribute to badge work or challenges introduced at section meetings.