Boy, 10, celebrates achieving all 57 Cubs badges

A 10-year-old boy has said he is feeling “proud” as he celebrates achieving every badge available from the Cubs.

Kyle Deans, who is a member of Johnstone 2nd Cubs in Renfrewshire, has now been awarded all 57 badges – so many they no longer fit on his Cub Scout uniform.

His seniors, who have hailed Kyle as a natural leader, awarded him the Chief Scout Silver Award on June 20, the last badge he needed to complete the set.

He has been awarded all 37 activity badges for a multitude of skills including animal carer, backwoods cooking, DIY, martial arts, skater and world faiths.

Kyle’s jumper, with all of his Cubs badges attached (family handout/PA)

His collection also includes the seven available challenge badges and 10 staged badges, the Scottish Cub Thistle Badge and a Joining In Badge.

Fordbank cub leader (Akela) Alison Kennedy said: “We are so proud of Kyle. To achieve every single badge is a superb achievement, but it tells you exactly what kind of young person Kyle is.

“It’s not uncommon for him to lead a song at camp which quickly becomes a chorus when the other Cubs join in. He is also very encouraging to other Cubs.

“We were at a high ropes course and one of our other Cubs was nervous to go down the zip line. Kyle, from a significant distance, started chanting the Cub’s name – within seconds the whole pack was chanting along with him.

“Our nervous Cub managed to overcome their fear, much to the delight and celebration of the pack.

Kyle holds a baby lamb as part of work to gain one of his many badges (family handout/PA)

“Kyle has been horse-riding, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking as part of his badge work. All these activities were open to him through Cubs, and he has had a ball doing them all.”

Kyle, a pupil at Fordbank Primary School in Johnstone, is also a senior “sixer” in the Cubs, which involves advising other members and supporting them with their leadership skills.

The 10-year-old ran his own fundraiser at a gala day for the Scouts, bringing in £95, and has led stalls at Christmas fairs selling paracord keychains and bracelets made by himself, with all proceeds going to the group.

Kyle said: “I am very proud to have achieved all my Cub badges over the last three years.

Kyle rides a horse as part of his equestrian badge (family handout/PA)

“It was actually much easier than when I earned my Beaver ones, because that was done through the Covid lockdown.

“My favourite part has been working on my equestrian badge and my time on the water badge. I love paddle-boarding and kayaking.”

Ian Hunter, lead volunteer for Scouting in west region, which covers Renfrewshire, said: “What an incredible young man Kyle is. It is extremely rare for someone to gain every single badge and shows just how dedicated he is to learning new skills and doing his best. It’s a fantastic achievement.

“Scouts exists to actively engage and support young people from four to 25 in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.”