Chesterfield scout Joe receives personal award from Bear Grylls

A Chesterfield scout has received a prestigious Chief Scouts Personal Award, from Bear Grylls.
Joe Morris with his prestigious awardJoe Morris with his prestigious award
Joe Morris with his prestigious award

Joe Morris, aged 11, of the 18th Chesterfield Scout Group, received the award last month, and is one of only a few people to scoop the honour in 2020 – including adventurer Ed Stafford, Olympian Helen Glover MBE, naturalist Steve Backshall MBE, and astronaut Tim Peake.

The award comes directly from Bear Grylls, who became the UK’s youngest ever chief scout when he was appointed in 2009, aged just 34, and today remains the public face of the Scouts in the UK.

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Derbyshire scout leader Matt Troth said: “This award, to Joe from chief scout, Bear Grylls, and the national awards advisory group, recognises an individuals achievement that goes beyond that expected within the normal award system.

The Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last monthThe Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last month
The Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last month

“This award is not only presented to young people but also to adult members and Scouting Ambassadors.

“This year only 29 were awarded nationally, and if you look at the other who were selected for the honour, Joe is in great company.”

Joe received his award at the Chief Scout Award presentation, which took place last month at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield.

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Joe said: “I was nervous waiting to receive my award, but super proud and excited that my family and grandma were there to watch.

The Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last monthThe Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last month
The Derbyshire Scouts presentation night last month

“I can't believe that Bear Grylls himself signed off my award and now knows who I am.

“I love being in Scouts."

The event also saw around 140 scouts from 12 districts across Derbyshire receive prestigious awards for their commitment to scouting, teamwork and adventure, including the Gold Scout Award, and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

A number of young people were also awarded the Gold Chief Scout Award – a badge that is notoriously difficult to earn, and sees those who achieve it undertake physical challenges, and community activities.Matt added: “It was organised as a Derbyshire County event by the assistant county commissioner for Scouts, Colin Newton, whose hard work brought individuals together including the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Lord Burlington, and the former Derbyshire chief constable, David Coleman – who both presented the awards.

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“It was a fantastic experience for our young people, who have spent years working towards these awards.

“We saw young people awarded their Gold Chief Scout Award, which is the highest award that you can achieve in the scout section, featuring young people aged 10 to 14.

“It is a difficult badge to earn, and to do so you must complete a number of challenges – including learning about the world, teamwork, and adventure.

“As would be expected of a scout, they must undertake physical challenges like an expedition as well as community based activities such as helping out at community events.”

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A number of Explorer Scouts, aged 14 to 18, were also awarded Duke of Edinburgh awards, ranging from Bronze to Gold.

Matt added: “We also had a presentation from Explorer Scouts who attended the World Scout Jamboree in 2019 in West Virginia, USA.

“This event had 40,000 Scouts from around the world attend, and 80 of those were from Derbyshire.

“I was fortunate to be able to attend as a leader where we experienced organised adventurous activities from shooting, scuba diving, white water rafting, archery, mountain biking, and high rope courses.

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“We also experienced cultural exchanges while camping next to Brazilians, Italians, US Scouts and Scouts from Asia.

“These moments were unforgettable and many are still in touch with each other.”

Colin Newton, assistant county commissioner, Derbyshire County Scout Council, added: “I'm so proud of Derbyshire Scouts, and never more than during these particularly difficult times.

“Scouting continues to thrive even whilst we are unable to mix; Scouts continue to camp in their own gardens working towards Nights Away and Dragon Awards and are undertaking other activities at home earning badges as they do.

“Well done to Joe and all the others that were honoured at this event and continue under difficult circumstances.”