A scout has already been presented with a Champions Award:
The Champions Awards 2021: the winners – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
In the same year, he was recognised together with his colleagues:
Eco-friendly Sidmouth youngsters are doing their bit for the planet and pioneering two new blanket badges at the same time. After the launch a team of Cub Scouts will take part in a litter pick on Sidmouth beach, becoming the first in the UK to earn two new blanket badges called ‘Ocean Helper’ and ‘Ocean Hero’. The project has been led by nine-year-old 1st Sid Vale Scout member and environmentalist Thomas Franklin. Thomas was instrumental in gaining sponsorship for his group.
It is hoped the new badges will be rolled out across the rest of Scouting. Adventurer Bear Grylls, who is also Chief Scout, has thrown his weight behind the idea, as has the East Devon District Commissioner for the movement.
Bear described Thomas as ‘a great ambassador for the scouting movement’ and ‘one of our true shining lights’. He added: “I totally agree we need to help more young people understand this issue and take positive action.”
Bear Grylls praises town’s eco-friendly scout ‘ambassador’ | Sidmouth Herald
The Scouts themselves were nominated several times for a Champions Award back in 2021:
The Champions Awards 2021: the full and final list – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
And they were central to the 2022 online campaign to champion ‘education for sustainability’:
Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards 2022: a proposal: – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards
Of course the focus is on outdoor activity:
Activities | 1st Sid Vale Scout Group | Sidmouth, England
With so much potential:
Sections | 1st Sid Vale | Sidmouth, Devon
For example:
Being creative – making things and singing, playing games, going on visits and investigating nature. Learning about themselves, getting to know other people, discovering the worlds of science, nature and technology and Exploring the natural and manmade world are all what makes Beavers fun and full of adventure.
Beavers | 1st Sid Vale | Sidmouth, Devon
They’ve also been busy working with other groups:
The National Trust hosted a series of planting sessions for individuals from neighbouring villages as well as group sessions for the Sidmouth Scouts (involving two different scout sections)
Nature Recovery in Action – Trees, Owls & Kestrels – East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Finally, Sidmouth Scouts have been the recipient of a very special award:
Proud of our Coronation Champions | Scouts
Will they get nominated for a Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Award 2023?
Schools and educational organisations Award 2023 – Sustainable Sidmouth Champion Awards