Scout achieves Chief Scout Gold Award

Charlie Hastewell with his Chief Scout Gold Award

Charlie Hastewell from Whitworth has received the highest award a Scout can achieve - the Chief Scout Gold Award.

A Scout from the 40th Rochdale (Syke) Troop, 14-year-old Charlie has completed the prestigious award after a lot of hard work and commitment over the last four years.

To achieve the award, Charlie had to complete nine challenges including: experiencing adventurous activities; learning about the world; developing personal skills; taking on leadership roles; completing team work challenges; taking part in creative activities; attending camps and navigating expeditions.

Charlie has been a member of Scouting since the age of six when he joined Beavers - continuing a 90-year family tradition of being involved in Scouting and Guiding. He moved to the Scout troop at Syke Chapel & Community Base when they relaunched their group over a year ago. Here he has been working extremely hard to complete the nine challenge badges by attending weekly meetings and a number of weekend events.

Being in lockdown was not going to stop Charlie - determined to earn his Gold Award - he attended virtual Scout meetings via Facebook, completed additional tasks at home, and with guidance and support from his Scout Leaders, parents and grandparents, he has completed the final clauses of the award.

Over the years, Charlie has developed skills in adventurous activities such as archery and orienteering; attended many camps; led his Patrol on various expeditions; taken part in environmental activities, and volunteered locally.

Charlie said: "Thank you to everyone in my Scout group for helping me earn my Chief Scout Gold Award. I have liked making new friends and loved it when we went camping at Bradley Wood."

Leanne Chorlton, Scout Leader for 40th Rochdale Scouts said: “The Chief Scout Gold Award is the highest award that you can achieve in the Scout section. We are so proud of Charlie and his commitment, hard work and determination to complete the award. It’s thoroughly deserved.”

Charlie was presented with his award during an online awards evening for the group on Zoom on Thursday 4 June. It was particularly special because this is the first Gold award a member of the Syke troop has received since its relaunch in 2019.

Charlie hopes to continue his Scouting journey at the new Whitworth & Syke Explorer Unit when meetings commence.

40th Rochdale Scout Group is based at Syke Chapel & Community Base and has Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections for young people aged 6-14. For more information contact: gsl.syke@pennine.gmnscouts.org.uk