Scouts from Leeds and Wakefield earn King’s Scout Award

Young awardees Thomas Dale, Alexandra Garth, Hannah Gaunt, Tyler Johnson Sableman-Blue, Raiden Naylor, Daniel Plant, Peter Wadsworth and Ruby Webb, were among others, from across Leeds and Wakefield to receive the highest recognition in Scouting for adventure and skill development.

Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields said: “Huge congratulations to every single one of you on achieving your King’s Scout Award. This is something truly special. It shows the grit, determination and passion you’ve put into your Scouting journey.

"You’ve stepped up, shown leadership, gained skills, and made a real difference to the people around you  - helping give others a place to belong. That’s what being a Scout is all about.

"This award isn’t just a pat on the back for what you’ve done so far, it’s a reminder of the incredible potential you’ve got for whatever comes next.

"I’m excited to see where you go from here. Keep pushing forward, keep saying ‘yes’ to new challenges, and keep leading the way.”

Set against the historic backdrop of the Castle’s Quadrangle, the occasion brought together Scouts, families and supporters to mark an extraordinary milestone in the lives of these remarkable young people.

Scout Ambassadors, including Astronaut Tim Peake, were also there to join in the celebration and cheer on these outstanding young people for their amazing achievement. 

The Award recognises outstanding personal achievement and is earned by Scouts aged 16 to 25.

To achieve it, young people complete a series of ambitious challenges, including volunteering in their community, undertaking an expedition in wild country, and taking part in a five‑day residential experience in a new environment.

They also develop an existing talent or learn new skills that build on what they’ve gained through Scouting. Along the way, they deliver projects that make a remarkable impact and leave a lasting legacy within their local communities.

King’s Scout Ruby Webb, said: “Achieving the King’s Scout Award has helped me develop significantly, especially through my expedition in the Peak District working alongside someone with a disability, hiking around 12km a day while studying wildlife and plants.

"It’s also helped me explore my future career through volunteering in chemistry lessons at a local school, learning Dutch to communicate with my aunt, and taking up kickboxing which I was encouraged to try by my mum, all of which built my confidence and teamwork.” 

Fellow King’s Scout Alexandra Garth added: “It is an even more special day for me as it's also my birthday so spirits are high!

"This award has helped me develop resilience through volunteering in a hospice shop, discipline through gym training and weight loss, and creativity by returning to piano, all while studying law at Cambridge and learning to balance responsibility and ambition.”

This annual event at Windsor Castle has taken place since 1934 on the Sunday closest to St George’s Day (April 23) and is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and development of young people. The day is a moment of celebration, with award holders and their families coming together to share in the occasion.

It’s a special day for loved ones to watch with pride as the young people receive their well‑deserved recognition and to join in the sense of celebration.

For the awardees themselves, the event is not only an opportunity to be acknowledged for their hard work, but also a chance to reflect on their journey alongside peers, creating meaningful memories and a deep sense of pride that will stay with them for years to come.