‘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,’ said chief scout Dwayne Fields
21-year-old Liam Gawn has achieved the highest youth award that can be achieved in Scouting, the Kings Scout Award.(Image: Liam Gawn)
A young scout from Elloughton has been handed the movement’s highest youth award at a star-studded ceremony at Windsor Castle. Liam Gawn, 21, is a cub leader and explorer Leader, who volunteers three nights a week at Elloughton-cum-Brough Scout Group and now has the King’s Scout Award to his name.
The full time administration assistant at an estate agents travelled to the royal residence where he paraded with the Coldstream Guards and met Dawyne Fields, the country’s scouting figurehead along with astronaut Tim Peake. Liam also attended a service in St George’s Chapel where around 600 got to re-new their scout promise, and saw the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.
Families and supporters were also there to mark the award which is about personal achievement and is earned by scouts aged 16-25. Aspiring King’s scouts must 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 must also develop an existing talent or learn new skills that build on what they’ve gained through scouting. Liam was helped in the challenge by already having his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, but has also boosted his drumming skills and helped in his community.
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.”
King’s Scout Liam said: “Completing my King’s Scout Award was a really rewarding experience, especially after being encouraged by a close friend who had already achieved their Queen’s Scout Award. My expedition in the North Yorkshire Moors was a great challenge shared with a team of six, where I was able to use my map-reading skills to support the group throughout.
“Alongside this, I’ve worked as a Cub Leader and supported residentials run by the Rotary Club, developed my drumming by learning new techniques and more complex rhythms, The award has really helped me grow in confidence and improved how I communicate with people I don’t know, and it also played a role in helping me secure my current job.”
He added: “To achieve the award I had to volunteer, having my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award helped massively towards it and I also had to do a presentation to my Explorer group.
“It was an incredible day that I genuinely feel honoured to have been a part of. It has motivated me to inspire other scouts to aim for the award and I am planning to apply for the King’s Scout Working Party, that organises events like the day at Windsor and the Remembrance Parade in London now that I have my King’s Scout Award.”
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