Five-year-old who made Scouts history presented with award by renowned polar explorer

By Peter McNamara

A Scout has made history by becoming the first to complete all 17 badges of Squirrel Scouts in the UK.

Xander Liddle, aged five, was the first Squirrel Scout to complete every badge as well as complete a variety of activities.

Despite being one of the newest members of Scouts at 1st New Cross, Xander quickly completed all 17 badges, including Be Active, Explore Outdoors, Exciting Experiments and Feel Good.

“To complete my badges was so much fun, I got to do lots of activities. My favourite adventure was a visit to Brownsea Island camping and I got to see the Red Squirrels,” Xander said.

Xander, from Lambeth, was rewarded for his efforts by a visit from Scouting Ambassador and Polar Explorer Dwayne Fields, who attended 1st New Cross to present Xander with a special certificate and his final badge.

“I think it’s incredible what children of this age can do. It’s a lot more than people realise,” Mr Fields said.

““To see someone like Xander, at just five years old, to have achieved such success is phenomenal. It makes me proud to be a part of the Scouts.”

Squirrel Scouts is the newest kind of Scouts, and has been open to four and five-year-olds since 2022, and kids like Xander get to learn skills for life in a positive and safe environment.

Liz Fricker, Scout volunteer from 1st New Cross, said: “We [Squirrel Scouts] have doubled in number in the last 12 months, and it is fantastic to see the Squirrels starting on their adventure.”

But more volunteers are needed says Ms Fricker. To explore these opportunities people can visit South London Scouts’ website at www.southlondonscouts.org.uk/volunteer-us.

After being presented with his award by Mr Fields, Xander said: “Dwayne is really cool. He was a Scout and he’s seen penguins in the wild.”

Pictured top: From left, explorer Dwayne Fields presents Xander Liddle with an award (Picture: South London Scouts)