Awarded to a young person on the anniversary of his or her joining of the Scout Movement and recognises involvement in the balanced programme over a year.

Designed to introduce a young person to the activities of the next Section. They encourage progression and offer an opportunity to meet the new Leaders and members of the new Section.

These three badges are designed to strengthen the links between Sections. Through a series of joint activities, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts participate together as a Group to earn the awards.

These require participation in activities within a particular theme. Each Section has a number of Challenges available to its members. The Badges are not a list of tests requiring a minimum level of achievement, rather, the majority ask for a young person's best achievement at whatever he or she is attempting. A few, however, do require a particular standard to be achieved, especially where safety is concerned.

There are a total of 121 Activity Badges at varying levels across the Sections. They are optional but are designed to extend a young person's interests and skills.

These four particular badges are available across all Sections and are designed to encourage a young person to develop his or her skills and interests appropriate to the level he or she is able to reach. Therefore, it is possible for a Beaver Scout who is an excellent swimmer to gain a higher level badge than a Scout who has just taken up the sport.

These start with the Bronze Award in the Beaver Scout Section and progress to the Diamond Award available in the higher sections. The Awards provide an opportunity to show the skills gained in the particular Section and to display responsibility and leadership. To earn the Award, a young person is required to achieve a specific number of the themed Challenges plus a Personal Challenge as agreed with his or her Leader.

This is the highest award a young person can achieve in Scouting. It is only available to Explorer Scouts and members of the Scout Network. To earn the award, a young person must achieve all four Challenges listed at the higher level, plus additional laid down requirements. This award may be worn by the holder for the remainder of his or her service in the Scout Movement. Upon achieving the Queen's Scout Award, members are invited to attend a parade of Award Holders at Windsor Castle in front of the Queen.