Remembering HM Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was Patron of the Scouts throughout her reign, and Earlswood 2nd Reigate Scout Group will remember her with utmost respect and gratitude. On the day of her funeral, our Beaver Colony met for a mindful walk within nature to reflect on her life and to engage in straightforward and honest conversations about death. We recognised the need with young children to be gentle, but use accurate vocabulary, particularly for young children whose language is developing. Our Beavers contributed to a Group discussion about facts they know about the Royal Family and we engaged them in “what happens next” conversations.

The highest award in Scouting is the Queen’s Scout Award (formally known as the King’s Scout Award), where young people followed Her Majesty’s example of community, kindness and duty to the country. On Saturday 10th September we held a 20 year Explorer Reunion to reveal our new Roll of Honours. Within this, we listed every young person from Earlswood 2nd Reigate Scout Group to have been awarded with either the King’s Scout Award, or the Queen’s Scout Award for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities. Our records show that the first of these were awarded to G Janes & J.A Tree in 1943!

It also came to light that our Trustee, Di Davies, had had the privilege of meeting HM Queen Elizabeth II in previous years. It is fantastic that our Scout Group has such a tangible link to the Royal Family as Her Royal Highness will always mean a great deal to the Scouts. For 7 decades we have promised to “do our duty” to The Queen within our Scout Promise. We thank her for her selfless service and she will always be remembered.