🌟 July 2025 Change Makers | Dyfodol Disglair – Lily-Rose and the Dragon Gold Award 🌟

We’re excited to continue Change Makers | Dyfodol Disglair – our new series celebrating the inspirational young people making a difference across the Scouting family in Wales. 

Today we get to hear from Lily-Rose and her journey to Dragon Gold. This is the first time anybody has been awarded the High Sheriff logo award.  

From a back garden camp during lockdown to wild camping in the mountains of Eryri and international adventures in Norway, Lily’s Dragon Gold Award journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her determination, resilience, and passion for the outdoors have seen her rise to every challenge – from freezing winter nights to storm-battered expeditions – all while growing in confidence, skill, and leadership. We caught up with Lily to chat about what inspired her to take on the award, her favourite moments along the way, and what she’s planning next. 

Personal motivation and achievement 

Congratulations on receiving the Dragon Gold Award! What made you want to go for it in the first place? 

During the Covid 19 lockdown our group took part in the ‘CampAtHome’ where one of our leaders told us about the Dragon Award. I already enjoyed camping and this badge sounded like a great challenge! Since it was a little bit different in lockdown, I was especially excited to do the challenges that the Silver and Gold award entailed as it meant I’d get to camp further afield. 

Did you have a favourite camp or challenge along the way? What made it stand out? 

This was a hard choice for me, based on both the camp and challenge, my overall favourite was camping at Nordtagen, Norway during Roverway. This was an amazing camp where I made many friends and got to take part in a variety of adventurous and thought-provoking activities. The challenges I completed at this camp were Challenge 33. Camp as part in an environmental or community-based project to make an improvement in your local environment or community and 34. Attend a camp in another country, for instance, a Jamboree or Moot. During our time at Nordtagen we looked at how we as Rovers (Explorers/Network) can have a positive impact on our local community and environment. I think this is important and have also enjoyed activities such as taking part in the Great Tommy Sleepout with my explorer group and volunteering to maintain and improve our local Scout campsite Caeau Ty’n Talwrn. These activities developed my idea of helping the local community and environment which we looked at on Roverway. 

Specific challenges and experiences 

Camping in every month of the year is pretty good going! Did any months prove especially difficult? 

The colder months proved more difficult, my November and February camps were especially cold (Sub 0 camps). I’ve learnt from these colder months the importance of wrapping up warm and utilising the kit I have available. Staying warm is the key to a good night’s sleep. Camping with friends can be one of the best ways to stay warm! 

Which of the 12 challenges was the most exciting – or the most nerve-wracking? 

Challenge 27 – Camp as part of a minimum three-day, two-night (consecutive) self-led expedition in wild country by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy. This challenge was definitely the most nerve-wracking with the location of our expedition being changed days prior from Bannau Brycheiniog to Eryri. The weather also proved interesting with stormy weather the first night and storm Kathleen hitting on our last day. Apart from that, we had an amazing time and walked over 40km from Cwm Idwal to Llyn Gwynant then on to Llyn Geirionydd. 

Skills and development 

How have your outdoor skills grown through completing the award? 

During my time completing the award I’ve learnt a lot about kit, tips and tricks to stay warm and comfortable during the night. The award encouraged me to try different types of camping rather than just sleeping in a tent.  Despite many of my camps for the award not being a hammock, I hammock camp regularly, and have learnt lots about hammock camping and share this passion with my local Scouts. I have also learnt about different types of tarp tents which can be used when there aren’t any trees for hammocking. 

Was there a challenge that really pushed you outside your comfort zone? How did you handle it? 

For one of my camps, I wild camped with 2 friends where we slept out under the stars in bivvy bags. This was an incredible experience, but I hadn’t slept out without a hammock or tent alone before and this pushed me outside of my comfort zone slightly. We made a tarp tent for our gear and to protect us from the wind. Luckily the weather was on our side, and we had a fairly dry camp and a lovely walk in good conditions both days as well!  We were in a lovely, quiet location and had a great time. 

Recognition and future goals 

This award was sponsored by the High Sheriff – what does it mean to you to have your hard work recognised in this way? 

It’s an honour to have something I’ve found so enjoyable recognised in this way. I have dedicated my efforts towards this award for over 3 years (including the silver and bronze awards) and to have my efforts recognised by both Scouting and the High Sheriff is very meaningful. 

What’s next for you in Scouting or beyond? Are you aiming for any other awards or adventures? 

I’m currently working towards my Kings Scout Award for which I’ll be doing my expedition in the summer, and I will hopefully finish in September! Completing the Dragon Award badges has helped to grow my love for camping and I plan to do more expedition-style camps with friends in the future.  

What would you say to other young people thinking of starting the Dragon Award journey? 

Go for it! It’s a great way to develop your outdoor skills and take part in lots of adventures and build your confidence and independence. You’ll learn lots along the way and it’s a great excuse to go camping with friends.