A REDDITCH Explorer Scout has received the organisation’s top honour at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Aaron Pinder, aged 21, a leader with Redditch District Explorer Scouts, joined 250 other Scouts from across the country to be handed his Queen’s Scout award by the Duke of Kent.
The award is the highest goal in Scouting, and is only given to those who achieve a set of outstanding personal goals.
Aaron completed an expedition across Dartmoor, walking for four days and camping for three nights over a distance of 50 miles.
He also did a volunteering task, learnt a new skill, took on a new physical challenge and attended a residential course.
“I helped organise and build go-carts for a 24-hour race, attended a running club at Arrow Valley Lake and a helped at a waterway recovery group, where I helped to build a new lock in Chesterfield,” said Aaron.
“I have learned so many new life skills, including teamwork and map reading, as well as realised how easy it is to make new friends.”
Chief Scout and adventurer, Bear Grylls, who also congratulated Aaron said: “All these young people have strived so hard to learn new skills and achieve their Queen’s Scout awards, and I am full of admiration for their spirit, grit and determination.
“They have all served their community, led others and undertaken expeditions in the UK and around the world. As Queen’s Scouts they are a massive inspiration to over half a million Scouts in the UK and I am so pleased that Scouting has honoured them. They are truly amazing.”
The annual Windsor Castle event has been held regularly since 1934. More than 100,000 Queen’s Scouts awards have been presented to young men and women since the award was instigated.
