Programme and Badge updates
Read about all the updates we've made to the programme and badges from 2023 to date.
Quick links
Badge updates
Islamophobia Awareness Month blanket badge
In November, we launched a new blanket badge for Islamophobia Awareness Month, supported by the Muslim Scout Fellowship (MSF).
The badge and activity ideas aim to promote understanding, respect and inclusivity in Scouts, as well as in the wider community.
Badge updates
Scouts Pioneer:
- Removed “missile launcher” and replaced with “catapult” in Req 1a
Scouts Water Activities:
- The word “Surfing” was replaced with “Sports” in Req 1e
Scouts Communicator:
The following qualifications were removed:
- Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence and Authority to Operate
- Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence.
Scouts Camper:
- Requirements were re-ordered to make more sense.
- Req 1 - "under canvas" removed and requirement changed to the following:
Camp as a Scout for at least 15 nights. You could camp in a tent, or try something new, from hammocks to bivouacs, or even indoors.
Scouts Survival skills:
- Req 1d “burning qualities of wood” removed
- Req 3 – removed 24 hour time scale
- Req 1e – added “and maintenance” to the end of the requirement about knife skills
- The following was added as a tip: “For requirement 2 - The young people could find other ways to demonstrate their survival kit. It could be a list, pictures cut from magazines, or a digital recreation of their survival kit.”
Badge updates
Earth tribe
The Earth Tribe Award will help all Scouts take action to create a better world. Whatever Section you’re in, there’s a way to be a planet champion.
King’s Scout Award requirements updated
Published updates to the King’s Scout Award so it is easier to understand and submit. There are changes to volunteer sign-off and the Nights Away section, and you'll need to make sure you download and submit the new log book. You'll be able to see full details on the King's Scout Award page, or you can reach out to your local King's Scout Award volunteers for support.
Badge updates
Squirrels Space Explorer badge
At the start of May we launched a new Space themed badge for Squirrels, working with the UK Space Agency. We piloted the badge with local dreys to co-design four new activities, and the new badge image was created by an Explorer Scout, working with Supple Studios.
Badge updates
YouShape Award for squirrels
In collaboration with the UK Youth Team, we launched the new Squirrels YouShape award, along with lots of activity ideas to help leaders deliver the award.
Programme support
Programme Development Toolkit
We've refreshed the Quality Programme Checkers and created our new online, user-friendly Programme Development Toolkit. Volunteers can use the toolkit to reflect on their programme and find additional support resources.
Programme emails
April we sent our latest half-termly email update to Section Lead Volunteers and Team Members with activity ideas and inspiration for summer, and some Programme news.
Badge updates
Outdoor in 24
Outdoor in 24 is encouraging Scout sections, from Squirrels to Network, to get outside throughout 2024.
Whether it's for one meeting, going on a Night Away event or taking on the Outdoors in 24 challenge, we're hoping to get young people trying something new in the great outdoors this year. There's even an extra 24 hours from the leap year in 2024 for you to get outside.
Programme support
ProgFest
At the end of October, programme volunteers from across the county came together to share ideas and hear about the programme work coming up in the next 12 months. The sessions explored volunteer transformation, Outdoor in 24, being youth shaped and more. It was enjoyed by all, so a massive thank you to all who came along or supported it in some way. We’ve had lots of positive feedback and thank-you messages from local volunteers and are hoping to run the event again in 2025.
Programme support
New Support for planning occasions and events as part of your programme
Badge updates
Explorers Leadership Activity Badge
Following feedback from members and working with the British Army we've updated the requirements for this activity badge. View the updated badge and requirements.
If you’re already working toward the badge or have planned activities in your programme you can continue using the previous requirements until the end of 2023.