As young people move into Scouts, we start to build on the resilience and integrity, pushing them and helping them to make the most of the things they have, the opportunities available to them, while encouraging them to become more independent. 

We ensure that they try new things whenever possible and wherever they may be, and through giving them the chance to try things they wouldn't ordinarily have the chance to do at home or school, they even choose parts of their programme to help them complete the challenges available to them.

Scouts work towards challenge awards at a pace that suits them, but - much like every other section - we always ensure that we provide a balanced programme focused around adventure, skills, creativity, outdoors, teamwork and leadership.

With the help of the section leaders and adult volunteers, the Personal and Expedition challenges are where the Scouts really step outside of their comfort zones and grow, as they create and execute a plan they devise largely on their own. It's a huge achievement to gain a Challenge Award in any section, but the Personal and Expedition ones are really something to celebrate.

As we work on the challenge badges, many Scouts will also achieve activity awards, and we recognise the progress and efforts they put in outside of the sessions and events that we run. Many of the badges available to Scouts give our young members a platform to show their progress in existing pursuits while encouraging them to try all kinds of new things and form new interests.

We always encourage all Scouts and their grown-ups to find out more about the challenge awards and activity badges available to Scouts.