Top Scouting honour for Brentwood School's James Maltby

Congratulations to Brentwood School Fourth Year student James Maltby who has been presented with the Chief Scouts Gold Award – one of the highest accolades in the Scouting movement.

Fourteen-year-old James, who has been working towards the milestone for the past two to three years, had to complete eight Challenge Awards along the way. He was presented with his top honour by Clive Pretty, the Scout Leader for 1st Danbury Scouts.

James, who was a member of the St Cleres Troop, tried his hand at a number of adventurous activities including coasteering off the North Devon coast and caving in the Cheddar Gorge.

“To complete the Chief Scouts Gold Award I had to complete eight Challenge Awards which cover a variety of areas; the Personal Challenge Award, Teamwork Award, World Challenge, Skills, Creative, Outdoors, Adventure and Expedition. In addition I had to complete six Activity Badges,” he explained.

“For my Personal Challenge Award, I had to complete a number of activities including a 20-mile charity bike ride, and at Scout camp we had to cook all our own food for a week which I really enjoyed. My patrol won the Scout cooking competition!”

James’ School activities also played a part in his Award success, with his involvement in the Cricket and Swimming teams contributing towards the Teamwork challenge, and his Art and Design & Technology work helping towards the Skills challenge.

James, who has already completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, added: “I really enjoyed the Award even though it required quite a lot of work. Some of the skills I have learned at Scouts have really helped me with the DofE scheme – especially map reading and cookery which were useful on the expedition hike.

“I am really looking forward to continuing the Silver DofE Award with the School this year. For the volunteering section I have helped with the Cub scouts so I will still remain involved with the Scout Group which is really good.”