Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Piranhas

Tom Hark

Listen Live

'Rare' achievement for Ripon scout who earns every available badge

Thursday, 13 March 2025 08:33

JJ Chilcott with Ripon & District Scout lead volunteer John Lockwood.

A Ripon scout has achieved an incredible rare feat after earning every single badge available.

JJ Chilcott from 4th Ripon Scout Group has earned over 60 badges in just 14 months.

The youngster has completed his Chief Scout Silver Award, including all the activity, staged activity and YouShape badges.

The feat has been described as an "amazing achievement" and "very, very rare" by scout leaders.

Speaking about JJ’s achievement, Hannah Baker of 4th Ripon Scout Group said:

“He’s worked very hard, pushed his own boundaries, tried many new things and experienced adventures he never thought he would.

“JJ also has Autism so has really had to push himself to complete some things, however he remained determined.”

JJ made it his aim to complete all the badges which included sailing, paddle sports, DIY, cycling, artistry and karate.

He said his favourite badges to earn were ‘collectors’ and ‘nights away’, and that he especially enjoyed sleeping over at a soft play centre.

The badges he found the hardest were sailing, because he said it was “a bit scary” and karate because he “didn’t really enjoy the sessions.”

Hannah Baker added:

“We need more volunteers to be able to keep offering opportunities to more young people.

“4th Ripon Scout Group is a thriving group for over 90 young people.

“Volunteering is really beneficial for young people and volunteers.”

If you're interested in volunteering, get in touch with Hannah at cubs4thripon@outlook.com.

More from Local News

Police appeal after Harrogate Hospital theft

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a burglary at Harrogate Hospital.
Harrogate school for autistic children to open in November

A new specialist school for autistic children and young people is set to open in Harrogate this November.
Police statement on 'deeply disturbing' sexual abuse allegations at Harrogate Army college

North Yorkshire Police has issued a statement following reports of alleged sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.
Health and Healing Festival set to return to Harrogate

Harrogate's Health and Healing Festival is set to return next month for a weekend dedicated to holistic living and wellbeing.
Last chance to sign up for Saint Michael's Lake District challenge

Saint Michael’s Hospice is calling on local people to sign up for a new multi-activity challenge in the Lake District next month.
Three-day beer festival set to get underway at Harrogate brewery

A three-day beer festival featuring guest breweries, live music and street food is set to get underway in Harrogate today (Friday 7th August).
Knaresborough Town secures record-breaking sponsorship deal

Knaresborough Town AFC has announced the biggest sponsorship agreement in the club’s history.
Free bike repair event heads to Ripon

Cyclists in Ripon can get their bikes checked and repaired for free this weekend.
Liberal Democrats win Coppice Valley by-election

The Liberal Democrats have won the Coppice Valley Town Council by-election, with Rebecca McManus securing more than 60% of the vote.
Harrogate Taekwondo master to represent Great Britain at World Championships

A Harrogate Taekwondo master has been selected to represent Great Britain as an International Referee at this year's World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea.
Harrogate gymnast wins scholarship to study and compete in Alaska

A Harrogate gymnast is preparing to take her sporting and academic career to the United States after being awarded a scholarship to study and compete in Alaska.
Final tickets released for Symphonic Ibiza at Great Yorkshire Showground

The final tickets for Symphonic Ibiza have been released as the countdown continues to one of Harrogate's biggest summer events.
Ripon's Old Deanery serves last meals before restaurant closure

The restaurant at The Old Deanery in Ripon has served its final meals after closing at the end of last week.
Pateley Club to launch first ever Beer Festival

A community club in Pateley Bridge is hoping to raise a glass to a successful new tradition with the launch of its first ever Beer Festival.
New hydrotherapy pool opens at local children's hospice

A new hydrotherapy pool has opened at Martin House Children’s Hospice giving families with seriously ill children the chance to swim together for the first time.
Harrogate fitness coach 'overwhelmed' by support after opening dream gym

A Harrogate fitness coach has been left "overwhelmed" by support from the community after opening the doors to her dream gym.
Naked charity walk to be held in Ripon this weekend

Clothing is optional at a naked charity walk through Ripon's Himalayan Gardens this weekend.
Record-breaking year for Harrogate's Crime Writing Festival

The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival has celebrated its biggest ever year after attracting record visitor numbers to Harrogate.
Council-owned house builder agrees to pay Kirkby Malzeard community money

A council-owned housebuilder will honour a commitment to pay £131,000 towards community improvements agreed when planning permission was granted for a new housing estate.
Council buys new homes in Knaresborough to reduce housing waiting list

North Yorkshire Council has approved the purchase of ten newly built homes in Knaresborough as part of its pledge to deliver 500 affordable homes across the county by 2029.