One of the first new King's Scout Awardees

Owen Jones C’17 was "incredibly proud" to be recognised and celebrated last weekend as one of the first ever cohort to be given a King’s Scout Award, the highest award in Scouting. The service in St George’s Chapel and celebration parade in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle saw Owen and his fellow awardees acknowledged by The Duke of Edinburgh and key Scouting Ambassadors including UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls, Warwick Davis and Ellie Simmonds. 

Owen’s award was well earned after many years of hard work consisting of a multitude of week-long expeditions, over 100 nights camping under canvas, and volunteering with troops in East Grinstead, Southampton and Bristol.

Owen tells us that his time at Worth played a big part in his Scouting journey, “At a time where I was considering my role in the movement, Worth inspired me to continue to volunteer, renewing my passion for serving my community and the importance of using my skillsets and time to help others and to create a positive environment for young people to thrive”.

After Worth, Owen attended Southampton University to study Geography where he spent a considerable amount of time playing rugby, Irish dancing and continuing his Scouting journey. After graduating he moved to Bristol and started his career as a Geotechnical Laboratory Technician, testing soil and rock samples from sites such as wind farms, motorways and mines across the world. 

His Scouting journey started aged 4, as a Beaver Scout at the 4th East Grinstead Scout Troop. “I was inspired by my brother who was already a Cub and admired all the activities and badges he’d done. I rose through the sections and became a leader and have continued Scouting ever since. Being able to give back to my community, who helped mould me into the man I am today, is a blessing. Watching young people grow, learn skills and seeing them enjoy the outdoors and preparing them for their next steps is truly an honour”.

Owen is currently helping to fundraise for The 4th East Grinstead Scout Group for their Annual Summer Camp in Yorkshire this year, which will be his 16th consecutive trip. As Owen says, “This is a life changing experience for young people, greenfield camping alongside Scouts from all over the UK, a truly magical event and sadly not all can afford to go”.  You can view his Justgiving page here.

Many congratulations Owen on your wonderful achievement!