Set in the grounds of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, nearly 153 Scouts, Ventures and Rovers received their Chief Scout Awards on Saturday.
The Award is the highest youth achievement in Scouting Ireland and represents years of dedication, leadership and service to local communities.
This year’s recipients include young people who have completed projects ranging from environmental initiatives and fundraising for local charities to mentoring younger Scouts and supporting community wellbeing projects.
Young people who earn the Chief Scout Award undertake challenges that test their resilience, teamwork, and ability to make a positive impact in the world around them. Each award reflects hundreds of hours of voluntary effort and personal growth.
Among those receiving awards, included Alex Furey, a Venture Scout (aged 16-17) with the 1st/4th Clare Scout Group in Ennis, who led an ambitious Transition Year fundraising initiative called “Climb for Cancer”, support three cancer hospices: Cahercalla Hospice, Ennis; Cancer Care West, Galway; and Milford Care Centre, Limerick.
The project centred on organising a large-scale climb of Croagh Patrick involving 125 students and was supported by a wide range of fundraising activities.
Through their dedication and teamwork, the project raised over €25,000, far exceeding the original target of €6,000, with all proceeds donated directly to the three cancer care organisations.
Congratulating all recipients of the Awards, Chief Scout Eoin Callinan said: “The Chief Scout Award is about personal development, and like all other challenges in Scouting, is centred on assisting the self-development of the young person.
“Recipients of the award have demonstrated exceptional commitment through a combination of personal development, community involvement, outdoor skills and leadership projects. I am thrilled to see some many Scouts and Scout Groups represented here today and would like to offer a heartfelt congratulations to all those who are being awarded.”
CEO of Scouting Ireland, Seán Sheehan said: “These Awards represent the very best of what young people can achieve when they are supported and encouraged to lead, serve and grow. These award recipients are role models for their peers and an inspiration to their communities. We are immensely proud of their dedication and achievements.”
Presenting awards alongside the Chief Scout were Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – the President’s Awards, and Kate Thompson, Director of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Northern Ireland. Through a dual award collaboration, Scouts can have their accomplishments recognised across all three prestigious programmes, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering young people and recognising excellence at both national and international levels.
Recipients were joined at IMMA by their families, Scout leaders, volunteers and community representatives to acknowledge the hard-work and dedication of these young people. The event highlights Scouting Ireland’s continued commitment to empowering young people with the skills and confidence to become active and responsible citizens.