Adderbury Scout Ben takes home the top prize

At the troop’s meeting at the Institute on Tuesday, North Oxfordshire Deputy District Commissioner, Ian Broome, presented Ben Haynes with the Chief Scout’s Gold Award, the culmination of four years’ work as a Scout showing true commitment and determination through a series of difficult challenges and tests.

The 15-year-old Warriner School pupil was given the award in front of the troop’s other members and Ben’s family, and he will now attend a prestigious county presentation in Oxford in May.

Deputy District Commissioner Ian Broome said, “It takes a lot of hard work and effort through a series of diverse challenges to achieve the Chief Scouts Gold Award.

“Alongside his school work, sports and other activities Ben has displayed great commitment and self-motivation in Scouting to achieve this top award.”

To pass the award Ben completed a series of badges and took on various leadership roles, completed community work at Adderbury Lakes and an expedition, learned various life skills, attended numerous camps and attempted adventurous activities including caving, gorge walking, kayaking and motor sports.

Andy Green, scout leader, said, “Completing the Chief Scouts Gold Award is a major achievement and will help Ben stand out from the crowd when applying for a job or university place. At 1st Adderbury we are all very proud of him.”