Scout Challenge Awards
Aids Awareness Badge
The Aids Awareness Badge forms part of the forms part of the Discoverer Advancement Level and challenges Scouts to develop a better understanding of HIV and AIDS and the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.
Through learning, discussion and practical activities, the Scout develops the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, challenge misconceptions and show understanding and respect towards others.
The badge encourages Scouts to turn awareness into positive action and to help build a more informed, caring and supportive community.
Air Safety Awareness Licence and Air Activity Licence
The Air Safety Awareness Licence and Air Activity Licence open the door to the exciting world of aviation and air activities.
The Scout develops an understanding of air safety and learns how to participate responsibly in activities involving aircraft. The challenges encourage curiosity, practical learning and an appreciation of the skills, discipline and safety awareness involved in aviation.
Together, these licences provide an opportunity to look to the skies, learn new skills and experience the adventure of air activities.
Cord and Thong Challenge Awards
One of the highest achievable challenge awards for Scouts is that of the Cord or Thong.
The Cord and Thong Challenge Awards recognise Scouts who take on additional challenges and develop skills, experience and responsibility in areas beyond the core Scout programme through the Airman's Cord, the Bosun's Cord, the Service Cord, and the Bushman's Thong.
Each award provides a different opportunity to explore an aspect of Scouting — from outdoor skills and adventure to air activities, water activities and service, by broaden their skills and experience through earning a variety of Scout Interest Badges.
Achieving any one demonstrates a well-roundedness of Scouting skills and interest and is a significant achievement in the Scout journey.
The First Class Advancement Level is required to undertake the Cord and Thong Challenge Awards. A Scout who meets the requirements for more than one award may wear multiple cords.
Cub Instructor
The Cub Instructor Challenge Award recognises a Scout who takes on the responsibility of supporting the Cub programme and developing practical leadership skills.
Working alongside the Pack Scouter and leadership team, the Scout helps Cubs learn, play and explore through activities, games and basic skills. The experience provides opportunities to teach, lead, communicate, take responsibility and set a positive example.
The Challenge Award is about more than simply assisting at Pack meetings. It is about learning to lead by doing, while helping Cubs discover the fun and adventure of Scouting.
Diversity Awareness Badge
The Diversity Awareness Badge encourages encourages Cubs, Scouts and Rovers to explore the differences that make people and communities unique.
Through discussion, activities and practical experiences, members develop a greater understanding of different backgrounds, cultures, abilities, experiences and perspectives. The badge encourages respect, empathy and an appreciation of the contribution that everyone can make.
It challenges members to look beyond differences, understand others and help create an inclusive Scout community.
Meerkat Instructor
The Meerkat Instructor Challenge Award recognises a Scout who takes on the challenge of supporting the Meerkat programme and using their experience to help younger members.
Working with the Den Scouter and leadership team, the Scout helps Meerkats participate, learn new skills and enjoy games and activities in a safe and welcoming environment. The experience develops communication, responsibility, teamwork and leadership through practical involvement.
The Challenge Award is about leading by example, sharing the enthusiasm for Scouting and helping Meerkats take their first steps into the adventure.
Patrol Leader Training Unit (PLTU)
The Patrol Leader Training Unit (PLTU) gives Scouts the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop their leadership potential and learn skills that will serve them throughout life.
Through practical activities, teamwork, problem-solving and adventure, the Scout develops skills in planning, communication, organisation, decision-making and leading others. The emphasis is on learning through experience, putting leadership into practice and learning from others.
PLTU is more than training to become a better Patrol Leader. It is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, confidence and self-awareness that the Scout can carry forward throughout life.
President's Award
The President's Award for Youth Empowerment is a journey of challenge, personal development and achievement, with opportunities to progress through the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Award can be undertaken alongside the Springbok Scout Award, allowing Scouts to work towards both achievements through complementary challenges and experiences.
Affiliated to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the President's Award challenges Scouts to develop themselves through a combination of personal growth, service, skills, physical activity and adventure.
The Scout sets goals, takes responsibility for making progress and learns the value of commitment and perseverance. Along the way, the Award provides opportunities to discover new abilities, contribute to others and step beyond the familiar.
Water Awareness Certificate and Water Activity Licence
The Water Awareness Certificate and Water Activity Licence (WAL) provide Adult Leaders and Senior Scouts with the knowledge, skills and confidence to participate responsibly in activities on and around water.
The Water Awareness Certificate develops an understanding of water safety, hazards and personal responsibility, while the Water Activity Licence recognises competence in specified swimming or boating activities. A WAL holder is required for all Scouting activities involving boating and is an important part of safe water-based Scouting.
Together, they provide an opportunity to build confidence around water, respect its challenges and discover the adventure it offers.
SDG Champion Award
The SDG Champion Award challenges Scouts to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discover how they connect with the world around them. To achieve the Award, the Scout completes eight individual SDG badges, each focusing on a different global goal.
Through learning and practical action, the Scout develops a broader understanding of global challenges and opportunities while finding ways to make a positive contribution in the community. The Award encourages global citizenship and turns global goals into local action.
The SDG Champion Award challenges Scouts to understand a bigger world, take action and make a difference where they live.
Star Patrol Award
The Star Award Recognition Programme is a Patrol and Troop management and self-assessment tool that recognises Patrols and Troops that are meeting the standards and aims of SCOUTS South Africa.
The Star Patrol Award challenges a Patrol to work together, put Scouting into action and continually assess and improve its performance. Through participation in the Troop programme, Patrol activities, hikes, camps, service and other challenges, every Patrol member has a part to play.
The ultimate goal is to achieve a Gold Star Award and, through the Patrol's contribution, help the Troop achieve its Star Troop Award. It is about working together, supporting one another and continually striving to improve as a Patrol.
