The Scouts have launched a new “Never Give Up” initiative for its members.
A cloth badge, pin and neckerchief can be awarded at the discretion of a local volunteer as an encouragement or ‘well done’ to any Scout or volunteer who’s struggling with something, persevering, or making a particularly strong effort.
They can be awarded to any young person or adult volunteer in the Scouts who’s “shown resilience, tenacity and courage” – in other words, that ‘never give up’ spirit.
A spokesman for the Scout Association said, “It’s a non-uniform badge, there are no specific requirements, and these are separate from Scouts’ existing awards, which remain as important as ever.”
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Bear Grylls, the “public face” of the Scouts in the UK, has suggested that the badges should be given at a special moment – perhaps at the end of the Scout term, the last night of a camp or after a challenge has been completed.
He said, “I’m super proud to launch our Never Give Up badge. This stands for resilience, keeping going, determination, grit. Never give up.”
Grylls was the UK’s youngest ever Chief Scout when he was appointed in 2009, aged 34. In 2018, he took on the additional role as the first ever Chief Ambassador of World Scouting responsible for promoting the value of being a Scout to a global audience. The World Scout Organization represents a global family of some 50 million Scouts.
Inspiring the movement through a period of unprecedented growth, the adventurer, also Honorary Colonel to the Royal Marines Commandos, helped thousands of young people to gain new skills, try new things, and look to the future with optimism.
He said, “When I became Chief Scout in 2009, it was one of the proudest moments of my life. With every passing day since, I’ve become even more inspired by the dedication of our leaders and volunteers, who tirelessly prepare young people with skills for life.
“Together, we have grown our movement, given young people the voice they deserve and welcomed so many new communities to the Scouts.
“It’s all about delivering chances to young people where they are needed most. My goal remains the same: to encourage and stand up for young people in all they do.”
