Richmond upon Thames District has launched a new venture called, “The Extra Mile”.

Every Scout who regularly attends their drey, colony, pack or troop (depending on how early they join Scouting) should be provided with the opportunity to earn the Chief Scout Acorn Award (Squirrels), Chief Scout Bronze Award (Beavers), Chief Scout Silver Award (Cubs) or Chief Scout Gold award (Scouts).

The District regularly tracks what proportion of Scouts are earning their top awards and there is a fall-off for Scouts in particular. This may be because many Scout Troops are not able to offer qualifying expeditions and outdoor activities for a number of reasons. We know that as young people get older. their attendance may be less regular due to other commitments but remain keen to earn the top awards in Scouting.

Graham explains: “In a smaller Scout Troop where there may be just a few older Scouts, it’s hard – if not impossible – for Leaders to meet the all the requirements of delivering adventurous trips for just one or two Scouts. A District-wide Unit which can pool all the expertise and minimum numbers needed for safety is a great way to address this.”

Our goal is to provide adventurous opportunities and skill sessions, to enable Scouts to achieve their Chief Scouts Gold Award.

So, if you have Scouts that are soon moving up to Explorers and have not yet completed their Chief Scouts Gold Award because the Scout has missed the Expedition, Outdoor or Adventure Challenge Award activities, we are here to help.

We will also offer local meeting Sessions, in your Hut or in the District Area and will communicate these to you when we have planned sessions.

To find out more, leaders should contact: graham.king@richmondscouts.org.uk or david.oconnor@richmondscouts.org.uk