King's Scout

Last updated

King's Scout
Kings Scout 2023.png
King's Scout Award badge, as worn on the uniform of award recipients. [1]
Awarded forScouts in the Commonwealth realms who demonstrate proficiency in various skills and complete a series of challenging activities.
Sponsored byScouting movement
CountryCommonwealth (including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand)

A King's Scout (also known as Queen's Scout during the reign of Elizabeth II) is a Scout who has attained the King's Scout Award . The King's Scout Award is the highest youth award achievable in the Scouting movement in the Commonwealth realms, including the United Kingdom, Canada (King's Venturer Award), Australia, and New Zealand (King's Scout Kauri Award), where Scouts operate under the patronage of King Charles III. Whether the award recipient is a Queen's or King's Scout depends on who is the current monarch of the Commonwealth realms.

Contents

Initially the award required demonstrated proficiency in standardised Scoutcraft and skills useful for service to others and the nation. The current requirements are different in each country and now focus on personal development and typically involve achieving challenges from several areas such as community involvement, adventurous activities, personal growth and leadership development. King's Scouts are entitled to attend one King's Scout Parade held at Windsor Castle each year held on the Sunday closest to St George's Day; this is the only time when Scouts officially march.

History

In November 1909, King Edward VII approved Robert Baden-Powell's request that boys who passed special tests for efficiency be ranked as "King's Scouts". [2] A badge with a crown signified the award as a "King's Scout", on the left sleeve. The First Class Scout had to pass the Guide's badge, and any three of: Ambulance, Bugler, Cyclist, Marksman, Seaman, and Signaller. [3] From 1911, it was proposed that one troop from each of the countries of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa would be awarded a Challenge Standard of the name of "King's troop", where the troop had no less than 24 boys, and each King's Scout must have been a member of the troop for at least six months. [4]

The original insignia of a King's Scout. King's Scout Badge 1919.jpg
The original insignia of a King's Scout.

From early-1919 to at least the mid-1920s, there briefly existed a "King's Sea Scout" badge for the Sea Scout branch alongside the King's Scout Award. Badges for both could be earned by a Sea Scout. [5] [6] [7] After the formal establishment of the Senior Scout section in 1946, only Senior Scouts (or Boy Scouts over 15 years of age) could become King's Scouts. [8] Under the reign of Elizabeth II the uniform award emblem normally consisted of a stylised St Edward's Crown. The award was renamed from King's Scout to Queen's Scout by April 1952, with the succession and approval of Queen Elizabeth II. [9] Since 1947, individuals who achieve the King's Scout or Queen's Scout award receive a certificate with a facsimile signature of the monarch at that time. The certificate for a King's Scout, headed by a stylised Royal coat of arms of the monarch, stated:

AS A KING'S SCOUT you have prepared yourself for service to God and your fellow-men, and have shown yourself a worthy member of the great SCOUT BROTHERHOOD. I wish you God-speed on your journey through life; may it prove for you a joyous adventure. [10]

United Kingdom

An earlier badge of the Queen's Scout Award worn prior to 2002. Queen's Scout Award (The Scout Association) (pre 2003).png
An earlier badge of the Queen's Scout Award worn prior to 2002.

The King's Scout Award in the United Kingdom is the ultimate goal of a progressive award scheme and is achieved by completing the following requirements through The Scout Association:

Explorer Scouts and members of the Scout Network who are not holders of the Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award or the Chief Scout's Diamond Award must complete an extra six months in either the Service or the longer of the Skills or Physical Recreation Challenge. [11] Upon the succession of King Charles III in September 2022, the award in the United Kingdom was renamed "King's Scout". [1] The first King's Scout in England was awarded to patrol leader Victor Watkins, of Broadstone, Dorset, on or before January 1910. [12] The first person to hold both the Queen's Guide Award and the Queen's Scout Award was Susan Parker of 1st Brantham Panthers Venture Scout Unit in 1980. [13]

Australia

Queen's Scout Badge as worn by Australian recipients of the Award until 2020. Queen's Scout (Scouts Australia).png
Queen's Scout Badge as worn by Australian recipients of the Award until 2020.

Historically, it is given the first Australasian King's Scout was in New Zealand by August 1910. [14] By October 1910, at least one troop in Australia had two King's Scouts, the 1st Kensington Troop, Adelaide. [15] The first King's Scout in Queensland was awarded by June 1911. [16] Those scouts were then eligible to complete 21 badges to be awarded the 'Silver Wolf'. [15] [17]

The Award Scheme is designed for Venturer Scouts, formerly called Senior Scouts. [18] Its aim is to widen the interests and knowledge of Venturer Scouts. Its rationale is based on the aim and methods of Scouting allowing fun, variety, personal choice and to assist in planning for a balanced program. It is a system designed to be challenging and encouraging for people over a wide range of activities. The Queen's Scout Award requires the Scout to complete a number of achievements in the Venturer Scout Award Scheme. [19] These are:

Approval may be required from the youth member's unit council, the district venturer council or a separate examiner. This peer review aims to maintain good standards for the award. A number of the requirements of the Venturer Scout Award Scheme, and thus the peak award itself, are mapped to competencies in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which allows award recipients to apply for several nationally-recognised qualifications in vocational areas such as Business, Active Volunteering and Outdoor Recreation. [20]

An adult leader who has earned the King's Scout Badge, the Queen's Scout Badge or the Queen's Scout Award (as a youth member) is entitled to wear a miniature replica of the cloth badge on their uniform. Following the death of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, it was announced in September 2024, the award would be renamed from the "Queen's Scout Award" to the "King's Scout Award" by King Charles III when he accepted the Royal Patronage of the Scout Association of Australia. [21] [22]

Canada

Initially the King's Scout Award, Scouts Canada changed the Queen's Scout Award (during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II) into the Queen's Venturer Award in 1968, when the Scout programme was divided into the Scout and Venturer programmes. [23] The award is presented to venturers who have acquired competence and skills that will be of considerable use to themselves, their company, and their community. These venturers will have also been recognized by the company, the advisor, and Scouts Canada as being worthy of receiving the award. The certificate is signed by the governor general of Canada, in the official capacity as the Chief Scout of Canada.

Hong Kong

The Queen's Scout Award Badge for Venture Scouts in Hong Kong. Queen's Scout (Scout Association of Hong Kong).png
The Queen's Scout Award Badge for Venture Scouts in Hong Kong.

The Queen's Scout award was awarded in Hong Kong for the Venture Scout section before 1 April 1997. The Royal Certificate (Queen's Scout Award certificate) was awarded in the Hong Kong Scout Rally or on St George's Day (before 1987), by the Governor of Hong Kong. A Scout Leader who was awarded the Queen's Scout Award could have worn a Queen's Scout Leader's insignia on their uniform. After 1997, it was replaced with the HKSAR Scout Award. The name of the current award was revised again in 2008, due to the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong, to the Dragon Scout Award. [24]

Malaysia

Until 1957, Malaya was part of the British Empire, and scouts may have been earned the King's Scout or Queen's Scout Award. Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom, Malaysia's King's Scout Award is conferred in the name of the Royal Patron of the Scouts Association of Malaysia, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (unofficially, the King of Malaysia). [10] The King's Scout Certificate is signed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and all the sultans in Malaysia.

New Zealand

The first King's Scout in New Zealand was Sergeant Rennie, First Woolston Troop; and given to be the first scout in Australasia. [14] Venturer section members were eligible to achieve the King's Scout Badge, then from 1952, the Queen's Scout Award. [25] It included completing modules on road safety, environmental awareness, personal development and community service. [26] In 2020, the award was renamed as the Queen's Scout Kauri Award. [27]

Singapore

Until 1963, Singapore was part of the British Empire, then becoming part of Malaysia, and in 1965, becoming its own republic. Before 1965, scouts earned the King's Scout (1926–1951) or Queen's Scout (1952–1966) Awards. [28] After independence, the award was renamed the 'President's Scout Award' in 1967. [28] This award is separate to the Rover Scout section's Baden Powell Award.

South Africa

Scouts in South Africa earned the King's Scout (1910–1951) or Queen's Scout (1952–1961) Awards. Upon becoming the Republic of South Africa on 31 May 1961, the award's name and insignia was changed to the Springbok Award. [29]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boy Scouts of America</span> Scouting America organization in the United States

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 1 million youth, including 176,000 female participants. The BSA was founded in 1910; about 130 million Americans have participated in its programs, which are served by 477,000 adult volunteers. BSA became a founding member organization of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America</span> Awards program

Advancement and recognition in the Boy Scouts of America is a tradition dating from the inception of the Scouting movement. A fundamental purpose of advancement is the self-confidence a young man or woman acquires from his participation in Scouting. Advancement is one of the methods used in the "Aims and Methods of Scouting"– character development, citizenship training and personal fitness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys' Brigade</span> International interdenominational Christian youth organisation

The Boys' Brigade (BB) is an international interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by the Scottish businessman Sir William Alexander Smith to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values. Following its inception in Glasgow in 1883 the BB quickly spread across the United Kingdom, becoming a worldwide organisation by the early 1890s. As of 2018, the Boys' Brigade claimed 750,000 members in 60 countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wood Badge</span> Scouting award

Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership programme and the related award for adult leaders in the programmes of Scout associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement. Courses generally have a combined classroom and practical outdoors-based phase followed by a Wood Badge ticket, also known as the project phase. By "working the ticket", participants put their newly gained experience into practice to attain ticket goals aiding the Scouting movement. The first Wood Badge training was organized by Francis "Skipper" Gidney and lectured at by Robert Baden-Powell and others at Gilwell Park in September 1919. Wood Badge training has since spread across the world with international variations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouts Canada</span> Canadian Scouting association

Scouts Canada is a Canadian Scouting association providing programs for young people, between the ages of 5 and 26, with the stated aim "To help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world". Scouts Canada, in affiliation with the French-language Association des Scouts du Canada, is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. In 2021–22, youth membership stood at 33,899, a 48% decline from 64,693 in 2014–15. Over the same period, volunteer numbers also declined 43%, from 20,717 in 2015 to 11,765 in 2022. Scouts Canada has declined significantly in size since its peak: youth membership is down 82% from 288,084 in 1965 and volunteer numbers are down 50% from 33,524 in 1965.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Malaysian Scouts Association</span> The largest informal youth and educational organisation in Malaysia

Malaysian Scouts Association, officially known as the Scouts Association of Malaysia, is the largest informal youth and educational organisation in Malaysia, and member of World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venturing</span> Program of the Boy Scouts of America

Venturing is a core program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 through 20. It is one of the Boy Scouts' three programs for older youth, which also include Sea Scouts and Exploring. The purpose of Venturing is to provide a positive environment where youth members, called Venturers, can lead the adventure, take on new leadership roles, and mature into responsible adults.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouts Australia</span> Australian youth organisation

Scouts Australia is a trading name of The Scout Association of Australia, which is the largest scouting organisation in Australia, claiming 48,796 children and youths and 2,792 young adult participants in 2022, and is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. It was formed in 1958 and incorporated in 1967. It operates personal development programs for children and young adults from 5 to 25 years of age with programs successively opened to girls after 1971.

Venturer or Venture Scouts are programs in some Scouting organisations for young people of various age ranges in the 14–20 age range. A participant in the program is called a Venturer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rover Scout</span> Scouting organization

Rover Scouts, Rovers, Rover Scouting or Rovering is a program associated with some Scouting organizations for adult men and women. A group of Rovers is called a 'Rover Crew'.

Venturer Scouts, formerly Senior Scouts, and commonly known simply as Venturers, is the fourth section of Scouts Australia, and was first formed in 1946. Venturers are aged between 14.5 and 18 years of age and are organised into Units, which can be a part of a single Scout Group or a stand-alone group. Both types of Unit take Scouts from any Scout Group. Although not in common usage, the motto of the Venturer Scout section in Australia is "Look Wide".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scout leader</span> Trained adult leader of a Scout unit

A Scout leader or Scouter generally refers to the trained adult leader of a Scout unit. The terms used vary from country to country, over time, and with the type of unit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouts BSA</span> Main coed program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 11 to 17

Scouts BSA is the flagship program and membership level of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for coeducational young people between the ages of typically 11 and 17. It provides youth training in character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership, and aims to develop the skills necessary to become successful adults.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">President's Scout (Singapore Scout Association)</span> Award

The President's Scout Award is the highest rank in the Singapore Scout Association. It is awarded after completing a determined list of accomplishments. The idea of the President's Scout Award (PSA) for Singapore Scouts was first mooted when the former colony of UK attained independence in 1965, after a brief merger with the Federation of Malaysia between 1963–65 and self-governance as the State of Singapore between 1959-63. The Singapore Boy Scouts Association was a branch of The Scout Association, UK. Following the British Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) since 1910, the Association had issued King's Scout badges to qualified Boy Scouts since General Baden-Powell founded the award, granted by King Edward VII in 1909.

Cub Scouts is the section of Scouts Australia for boys and girls aged 8 to 11 (inclusive), often known simply as 'Cubs'. The Cub Scout section follows after Joey Scouts and is before Scouts. Cub Scouts wear a uniform shirt with navy blue panels, and yellow shoulders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranks in the Boy Scouts of America</span>

The advancement program for Scouts participating in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America is symbolized by the earning of seven ranks. The advancement program is often considered to be divided into two phases. The first phase from joining to First Class is designed to teach the scout Scoutcraft skills, how to participate in a group and to learn self-reliance. The Scout badge is awarded when the Scout demonstrates a rudimentary knowledge of the Scouting ideals and program. Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class have progressively harder requirements in the areas of Scoutcraft, physical fitness, citizenship, personal growth and Scout Spirit.

The rank insignia system of the Indonesian Scouting movement Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia is by and large militarized in traditions and outfit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baden-Powell Award</span> Highest award achievable to Rover (adult) Scouts

The Baden-Powell Award, also known as the B-P Award or Baden-Powell Scout Award (BPSA), is the highest award achievable to Rover (adult) Scouts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summit Award</span>

The Venturing Summit is the highest rank for youth in the Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America. It requires Venturers to earn the Pathfinder Rank, participate in adventures, and demonstrate leadership, service and personal growth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King's Scout (Scouts Association of Malaysia)</span> Highest award of the Scouts programme in Malaysia

King's Scout, also known as King's Scout Award, is the highest award of the Scouts Association of Malaysia (PPM). The King's Scout Certificate is signed by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia and all the sultans in Malaysia.

References

  1. 1 2 "Guidance for our volunteers". Archived from the original on 31 December 2006. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  2. ↑ "The King and Boy Scouts". Leader . No. 2813. Victoria, Australia. 4 December 1909. p. 50. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  3. ↑ "Boy Scouts". The Albany Advertiser . Vol. XXII, no. 2810. Western Australia. 19 January 1910. p. 4. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  4. ↑ "Our Boy Scouts". Weekly Times . No. 2, 187. Victoria, Australia. 8 July 1911. p. 8. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  5. ↑ "Camping notes". The Daily News . Vol. XXXVIII, no. 13, 697. Western Australia. 25 January 1919. p. 7 (Third Edition). Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  6. ↑ "How to wear your badges". The Daily News . Vol. XXXIX, no. 14, 124. Western Australia. 12 June 1920. p. 5. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  7. ↑ "Boy Scouts". The Daily News . Vol. XLV, no. 16, 067. Western Australia. 25 October 1926. p. 6 (Home (Final) Edition). Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  8. ↑ "Boy Scouts". Border Morning Mail . Vol. XXXIX, no. 11919. New South Wales, Australia. 10 September 1943. p. 4. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  9. ↑ "Scout column". The Charleville Times . Queensland, Australia. 22 May 1952. p. 10. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  10. 1 2 "KS Award Journey". King's Scout Brotherhood of Malaysia. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  11. ↑ "ScoutBase UK Information Explorer Scout Badges: The Queen's Scout Award". Archived from the original on 31 December 2006. Retrieved 25 January 2006.
  12. ↑ "Untitled". The World's News . No. 423. New South Wales, Australia. 22 January 1910. p. 32. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  13. ↑ "Queen's Scout Awards". 1st Brantham Panthers VSU. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  14. 1 2 "Boy Scouts". The Advertiser . Vol. LIII, no. 16, 188. South Australia. 3 September 1910. p. 20. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  15. 1 2 "Troop and patrol news". The Register (Adelaide) . Vol. LXXV, no. 19, 958. South Australia. 29 October 1910. p. 8. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  16. ↑ "Our Scouts". The Brisbane Courier . No. 16, 677. Queensland, Australia. 24 June 1911. p. 14. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  17. ↑ "Official gazette". The Register (Adelaide) . Vol. LXXV, no. 20, 000. South Australia. 17 December 1910. p. 7. Retrieved 15 September 2022– via National Library of Australia.
  18. ↑ "King's and Queen's Scout Honour Roll". Scouts Victoria. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  19. ↑ "Venturer Scout Unit Council – Supporting Peak Awards". Scouts Australia Program Resources - Achievement Pathways. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  20. ↑ "Qualifications for Venturer Scouts". Scouts Australia. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  21. ↑ Harrison, Phil; Reece, Nigel (17 December 2022). "Venturer Peak Award Update". Scouts Australia - Youth Program. Scouts Australia. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
  22. ↑ "Youth Program. King's Scout Award". Scout Australia. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  23. ↑ "Queen's Venturer Award". Scouts Canada Wiki. Scouts Canada. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  24. ↑ "Dragon Scout Award" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 April 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  25. ↑ CARLE, Steve (2 August 2022). "Top awards in Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh schemes". Hawke's Bay Today. New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  26. ↑ "Awards for youth". New Zealand Scouts. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  27. ↑ "Two Rotorua members of Scouts NZ presented with Queen's Scout Kauri Award". Rotorua Daily Post. New Zealand Herald. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  28. 1 2 "Queen's Scout Award". The Singapore Scout Association. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  29. ↑ "Springbok Scouts". SCOUTS South Africa Wiki. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.