Two Explorers from Sutton-in-Ashfield’s Shadow Explorers unit have reached the pinnacle of Scouting excellence by achieving the prestigious Chief Scout Platinum Award. The ceremony took place at the Lammas Scout and Guide Hut on Friday 4th April 2025, celebrating their dedication to Scouting values and outstanding accomplishments in community service and adventure.
The Chief Scout Platinum Award is one of the highest honours in Scouting, requiring participants to demonstrate remarkable determination, leadership, and commitment. This accolade is reserved for Explorer Scouts who complete a rigorous set of challenges, encompassing personal development, skills acquisition, physical activities, international engagement, and voluntary service. By achieving this award, the Scouts have proven themselves to be exemplary members of their community and the Scouting movement.
Both Explorers— Dylan Johns, 17, and Zack Beddows, 16 —expressed their gratitude and excitement during the ceremony. Dylan reflected on his experience, saying, “Scouting has given me opportunities to grow as a person and explore the world in ways I never imagined. This award is a culmination of all those experiences and a chance to inspire others.” Similarly, Zack shared, “This journey has taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and giving back to the community. It’s an honour to receive this award.”
The duo embarked on a diverse range of activities to fulfil the requirements for the award. From navigating challenging outdoor expeditions to participating in cultural exchange programs and committing hours to voluntary work, they demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Scouting ethos. Their voluntary projects included organizing events to benefit local charities and mentoring younger Scouts in their unit.
David Scott, the Group Lead Volunteer, who presented the awards to Dylan and Zack, applauded the duo’s achievements, saying, “Dylan and Zack have set a shining example for the younger Scouts. They embody everything that Scouting stands for—service, adventure, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what they’ll achieve next.”
The presentation at Lammas Scout and Guide Hut was attended by family, and other members of the Group. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and pride as the two Explorers took centre stage, their accomplishment underscoring the continued relevance and importance of Scouting in the modern world.
Dylan and Zack now aim to pursue the next chapter in their Scouting journeys, working toward the Chief Scout Diamond Award—a feat requiring even greater dedication and skill. Their inspiring stories remind us that with hard work, courage, and the desire to make a positive difference, remarkable achievements are always within reach.
The Shadow Explorers unit, part of Sutton-in-Ashfield’s vibrant Scouting community, encourages young people to explore the world around them while developing valuable skills and friendships. With award-winning Explorers like Dylan and Zack leading the way, the future of Sutton’s Scouting looks as bright as ever.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with our Scouting and Girlguiding sections, along with our support team. If you would like to know more contact us at hello@lammasscoutandguide.group or visit https://lammasscoutandguide.group and get in touch and maybe try the 4 week challenge. This could be your opportunity to help develop the young people of the future.
The Lammas Scout and Guide Group provides the facilities and opportunities for over 170 children aged 4 to 18 in Sutton-in-Ashfield to gain experiences and develop independence, helping them believe they can become anything. Everyone is welcome; with Scouting and Girlguiding they have fun, adventure and space to discover. We prepare young people with skills for life.
