Rob Taylor and Nick Daniell from the Challenger Explorer Scout Unit in Knaphill have achieved the highest award for a youth member in the Scout Association - the Queens Scout award, and at a special ceremony held at the Lightbox in Woking, on Friday 23rd January, they received their certificates from Sally Varah, the High Sheriff of Surrey.

In front of an audience of friends, family and the Mayor and Mayoress of Woking, Peter and Gill Ankers, the two Scouts aged 17 and 19 years old respectively gave a detailed presentation of the tasks they had to do to complete all the requirements for the award. The activities they undertook included completing a 100km, 4 day expedition on the North York Moors; training as Young Leaders and assisting at their local Beaver Scout Colony for over two years; and joining over 100 young people in Epping Forest to complete a five day conservation project, clearing trees and helping construct a track suitable for wheel chair users. Whilst Rob has gained numerous awards with Woking Swimming club for his Physical section of the award, Nick has trained in playing the classical guitar, for the Skill section, and now teaches guitar playing.

Nick who attends the Royal Grammar school in Guildford has also gained a scholarship to Sandhurst Military College.

And it was a double celebration for Rob Taylor. Rob, who is studying Building Surveying at Reading University has also gained the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with Woking Explorers, and had his award presented on the evening.

To gain these awards the young people have to show extremely high standards of self-discipline, leadership and achievement in of activities, interests and community service while building their self-confidence – and having fun.

“ The badges the lads received may only be small, but they stand for an enormous achievement “ said Brian Pinto, the Explorer Scout Commissioner for Woking, and added “ it will stand them in great stead for their future education and employment“.

Report by Brian Pinto