Each year on 22 February, Scouts across the world mark Founder’s Day, a shared moment that brings millions of young people and volunteers together through common values, history and purpose.

Founder’s Day commemorates the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, whose vision over a century ago sparked a movement rooted in adventure, service and personal growth. What began as a small experimental camp has grown into a worldwide community where young people gain confidence, learn practical skills and make a positive difference in the places they live.

For Scouts in Wales, the day carries a special sense of pride. It is a time to recognise how far the movement has come, while also celebrating the energy and ideas of the young people shaping its future today.

This year, ScoutsCymru will be represented by many Welsh members at the annual service of celebration and thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey including Chief Volunteer for Wales Jon Williams, Lowri Willims, Wales Youth Lead and Chief Executive Kerrie Gemmill. Molly Reed, Programme Team Member – Squirrels and part of the UK Youth representatives team, and Dylan Murray, a member of the Wales support team, Gwent Leadership team and UK Youth Representatives, will also be taking a reading at the service. They will join Scouts and Guides from across the UK and beyond in a shared renewal of promise. The service also recognises long service, honours exceptional contribution and offers a moment of collective reflection within an international setting that reflects the scale and unity of the movement. A number of Welsh volunteers and young people will be receiving awards, and we are extremely proud to see their dedication recognised.

Founder’s Day is always a special moment in our calendar, but it is particularly meaningful when we see members from Wales recognised at the service. We are incredibly proud of everyone receiving an award this year. Their commitment, leadership and service represent the very best of Scouting, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each of them.

Jon Williams, Chief Scout for Wales

Founder’s Day is also a chance to say thank you. Scouting exists because of volunteers – the people who plan evenings after work, organise trips at weekends, learn new skills alongside young people and create welcoming spaces where everyone can belong. Their commitment is what keeps Scouting active and thriving in communities across Wales.

Groups mark the day in many ways: community projects, hikes, renewal of promises, badge work or gathering to share stories and memories. However it is observed, the feeling is the same – belonging to a worldwide network that stretches far beyond any single group or country.

Founder’s Day is a reminder that Scouting is not only about activities or badges but is also about connection, shared experience and collective purpose. It leaves us with a simple but powerful feeling of gratitude for those who give their time, pride in what young people achieve, and confidence that together we are part of something enduring and meaningful.

Awards recognised at the Founder’s Day Service

Silver Wolf

2024
Stephen Barkley – Cardiff and Vale
Gerard Lister – Clwyd
Jill Gloster – Eryri a Môn
David Johnson – Eryri a Môn

2023
John Wall – Cardiff and Vale
John Williams – Cardiff and Vale
Stephen Burgess – Glamorgan West
Julian Morgans – Glamorgan West
Stephen Crowley – Gwent

2022
Susan Lister – Clwyd
Alan Britt – Mid Glamorgan
Ronald Davies – Mid Glamorgan

2021
Martin Evans – Cardiff and Vale
Jeremy Ray – Cardiff and Vale

Chief Scout’s Personal Award – Young Person

2023
Noa Bennett – Gwent

2022
Caitlin Devin – Clwyd

Silver Acorn

2025
Peter Cloke – Brecknock
Christina Rayner – Brecknock
Stephen Rayner – Brecknock
Andrew Williams – Mid Glamorgan

2024
Patricia McDonough – Brecknock
Ann Newman – Ceredigion
James Pitts – Eryri a Môn
Robert Pratt – Glamorgan West
Robert Redmond – Wales

Nigel Sayers – Radnor

2023
Hilary Ashton – Cardiff and Vale
Paul Casey – Cardiff and Vale
Andrew Davies – Cardiff and Vale
Simon Hillard – Cardiff and Vale
Caroline Holley – Cardiff and Vale
Christian Parsons – Cardiff and Vale
Emma Pryse – Cardiff and Vale
Timothy Pryse – Cardiff and Vale
Susan Lloyd – Clwyd
Carol Johnson – Eryri a Môn
Elaine Clark – Glamorgan West
Robert Jones – Glamorgan West