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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Cubs Our Skills Challenge Award

Cubs Our Skills Challenge Award

Our Skills badge

Change a tyre. Pen a short story. Cook up a storm. This award is all about gaining new skills.

How to earn your badge:

  1. Try two new sports or physical activities at least once.

    You could try:

    • tennis
    • dance
    • basketball
    • tai chi
  2. Take part in three activities to help you be healthy.

    Activities could include:

    • healthy eating
    • exercise
    • learning how the human body works
    • another activity agreed with your leader
  3. Pick two creative things to try, and show your leader what you’ve done.

    You could:

    • write a short story
    • make a model
    • take some photos and use them to tell a story
    • be part of a play or sketch.
  4. Learn and use at least four of these skills:
    1. make cakes, bread, biscuits or something similar
    2. peel potatoes or other vegetables
    3. sew on a button or badge
    4. oil a bicycle chain, change a wheel or fit lights
    5. make a cup of tea or coffee, then wash up afterwards
    6. lay a table for a meal
    7. change a lightbulb, in a table or standard lamp
    8. iron your scarf
    9. clean a window
    10. tidy and clean your bedroom
    11. another similar home skill agreed with your leader
  5. Take part in at least two problem-solving activities that you haven’t done before.

    It should be something that you need to think creatively for. As part of the activity you need to say what you found difficult, what you did to solve the problem, and why.

Tips

  • You don’t have to have a big talk or debrief at the end of problem-solving. It’s OK to just chat about what’s tricky (and how you’ll solve the problem) as you go along.
  • Whatever your ability or level of fitness, the first requirement is all about finding something new, so it’s a great chance to try a more unusual sport. You could even ask local people or clubs if they’ll run a taster session.

  • This is your chance to become a top chef, a sleep specialist, or a biology master. Perhaps you could ask another type of expert, such as a doctor or a dentist, to share their wisdom?

  • It doesn’t matter what you choose to create. What matters is that you do your best, follow your heart, and don’t worry about making something perfect - where’s the fun in that?

  • Famous chefs start by making a loaf of bread, fashion designers by sewing on a button, and space engineers by changing a lightbulb - who knows where the skills you learn today might take you in the future?

  • Just make sure you get an adult to supervise (and take pictures!), and watch out for allergies if you’re using food or detergents.

March 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

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