What is the Chief Scout Award?
- It’s an award issued by in Scouting Ireland.
- It’s available to Youth Members in all Five Programme Sections – Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Rovers.
- It’s an award that gives recognition to Youth Members for their journey through scouting.
- It’s an undertaking which will challenge the Youth Member.
- It’s a means of gaining external recognition of their journey through links with an International Award in the form of Gaisce – The President’s Award. The UK equivelant is the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
- It’s a means for Youth Members to broaden their programme experiences through service, partnership, scouting skills and intercultural engagement.
The aims of the Chief Scout Award:
The Award contributes to the self-develop of Youth Members by:
- Focusing on the Personal Journey of the individual youth member.
- Being of service to the community and exploring the natural world.
- Developing their skills and being active in nature and the out-of-doors.
- Advancing Scouting Skills.
- Experiencing other cultures and sharing time with minority groups.
- Achieving a recognised Award.
Gaisce Award
The Gaisce Award steps can be completed concurrently with the Chief Scout Award by Scouts, Ventures and Rovers. By meeting the requirements for the Chief Scout Award, a Youth Member will automatically have completed their Gaisce. If a Youth Member is completeing their Gaisce with their school they can also apply for and complete their Chief Scout Award similtaniously.
The Gaisce Awards have 3 levels:
Bronze – for Scouts
Silver – for Ventures
Gold – for Rovers
Elements for the Chief Scout and Gaisce Awards:
The elements that must be achieved across the 5 programme sections (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and Rovers) are the same, but they are weighted on an age appropriate basis.
- Four Special Interest Badges: Skills, Physical, Community and Environment
- Scout Skills: Advancement in Adventure Skills
- An Expedition / Hike
- A Residential / Intercultural Activity
Application Process
Before starting the journey with your Youth Member contact the Group Leader or Deputy Group leader and they’ll have our own registered PAL / CSA mentors contact you to offer guidance and advice along the award journey.
The application process for Beavers / Cubs slightly differs from that of Scouts / Ventures and Rovers. Full details are available on this link Application Steps.