Youth Program
Our Peak Award Names & Designs
In mid-2019, we launched a survey seeking member feedback on the design of our peak award badges. We’re excited to bring some updates on the story of these designs, and how they will be used moving forward.
The 2019 launch of our new visual identity and the new youth program presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our Movement to ensure that our peak awards reflect Scouting as the contemporary dynamic youth movement that it is.
3,000 members responded to our survey on the topic in May and June 2019, and now we’re pleased to present the new peak award badges for each section.
With the peak award badges representing a high level of achievement and effort, it was important for us to get members’ thoughts and opinions as part of the design process. Feedback indicated we needed vibrant and contemporary designs for these special badges. Members also felt the names should be consistent across all sections.
Using our members’ feedback, we’ve collaborated with Cato Brand Partners, designers of our new brand, to reimagine our peak awards. As well as listening to members on the design, the badges have a consistent shape so they can be neatly worn together on the uniform as youth members progress through the sections. We’ve also aligned the names so they are recognisable as all being a peak award.
We still have some stock of the old peak award badges, and as soon as they sell out, the new peak award badges will be presented. As best as can be facilitated, Branches will be aiming to recognise achievements on the (new) program with the new peak award badges now that they are available.
Once youth members have transitioned from the old program, they may wear all earned peak award badges (using the new design) on their uniform. Adults may continue to wear only the Queen’s Scout Award and Baden-Powell Scout Award miniatures until advised otherwise.
Joey Scout Challenge Award
As the peak award in the Joey Scout section, the symbol on this badge is now a kangaroo joey.
The name has also altered, as the peak award is no longer centred on the Promise, and incorporates a range of challenges to reflect the wider range of adventures that Joey Scouts can experience.
Grey Wolf Award
The Grey Wolf has been a part of Cub Scout imagery for many years.
Cub Scouts create their own path, completing differing challenges to achieve their peak award.
Australian Scout Award
The Australian Scout Award has been redesigned to reflect symbols of Australia and of Scouting. It features our wildlife as well as wattle and wildflowers, symbols of the Australian environment where many Scouts spend their time and overcome many challenges.
Queen’s Scout Award
The badge design is based on the crown of King Edward VII, and is edged in the maroon colour of the Venturer Scout section.
Today it remains a representation of the high-level challenge and commitment required to earn the Queen’s Scout Award.
80% of those surveyed both from the new and old programs, thought the design was relevant for this award.
Baden-Powell Scout Award
The Baden-Powell Scout Award dates back to the 1960s and is the final peak award in the youth program a young person can achieve in Scouting in Australia. The design continues the use of Baden-Powell’s initials under a coronet as featured on previous awards, and is edged in the Rover Scout red.
