14 is magic number for county’s scouts

The youngsters have been taking on a range of outdoor activities, including climbing trees, navigating with a map, reading a compass or identifying star clusters.

A pack has been collated by the Discovery Network UK to help scouts earn their scouts pioneer activity badge.

Bedfordshire County Commissioners Chris Bent and Frances Craven said, “We have over 1,200 Scouts in the county all eager to take on life’s challenges. This new initiative is a welcome addition to the 76 other activity badges in the Scout manual and perhaps the most adventurous.

“You have only to look at the list to feel a buzz of excitement. We look forward to seeing many more scouts getting out into the open air and showing their pioneering spirit.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls added: “Practical skills are at the heart of scouting. From first aid to cooking a meal, we encourage all young people to learn skills they can use in life.

“While learning together, girls and boys grow in confidence and self-esteem.”