Top award for Aylesbury Scout Leader

On the 21st of April, Chief Scout, Bear Grylls honoured Kyra McParland from Aylesbury at a special event at Windsor Castle. The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Andrew Try joined Bear Grylls in congratulating Kyra on achieving the highest award in Scouting for adventure and skill development, the King’s Scout Award.

Scouts were also joined by fellow Ambassadors Dwayne Fields, Ellie Simmonds and Megan Hines in front of family and friends in what was a fantastic celebration of achievement.

The Award is presented for outstanding personal achievement and is achieved by Scouts aged between 16 and 25 years old. The young people have to complete a range of challenges, including service to their community, an expedition in wild country, a five-day residential project in a new environment, developing an existing talent, or learning some new skills to build on what they have already learnt in the Scouts. The impact they are having in their local communities is evident from the work they have completed with the volunteering they have each carried out.

Chief Scout, Bear Gryllssaid ‘I am so proud to celebrate the achievements of the King’s Scouts here today at Windsor. Gaining this award is the pinnacle of their Scouting journey. Kyra has demonstrated courage and kindness, alongside a true Never Give Up spirit, and shown Scouting values to the highest of standards. They’ve contributed hugely to their communities and developed many skills along the way. These Scouts are an inspiration to us all due to their commitment, enthusiasm and hard work - I am full of pride for every single one of them.’

Young people such as Kyra will have shown dedication and a willingness to learn all they can, which will provide them with opportunities to gain skills for life. King’s Scout Kyra said “Gaining my King’s Scout award has allowed me to test myself. I have had an amazing time learning so many skills and going to some amazing places. Not only have I been on an expedition in the Lake District but I have also climbed Kilimanjaro and completed my Explorer Belt in Montenegro. I have enhanced my project management and cooking skills too. It’s an achievement I’m very proud of.”

Scout Ambassador and Polar Explorer, Dwayne Fields who was also in attendance said, ‘A huge congratulations to Kyra, on achieving her King’s Scout Award - the pinnacle achievement in Scouts. She has reached the end of an incredible journey where they have demonstrated kindness, courage and commitment. They’ve helped other people, supported their local community, tested their limits and learned new skills along the way. Their Scout spirit shines so bright today here at our annual Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle, one of the true highlights of the Scout year. Kyra is one of our leaders of the future and it’s humbling and inspiring to be alongside them on such a special day.’

The annual Windsor Castle event has been held since 1934 on the Sunday nearest to St. George's Day (23rd April). St. George is the Patron Saint of Scouting as well as England. The award has transitioned back to the King’s Scout Award in 2023 following the sad loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Over 100,000 Queen’s Scout Awards were presented to young men and women for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities during its 71 year reign. The awardees have all learnt new life skills and developed them into what will one day be useful for their future lives and careers. Scouting offers over 200 different activities varying from archery to kayaking with all of them being tailored to help young people develop skills for life in the most effective way possible.