Scouts from the 63rd Hackney Scout Group have helped launch the Scouts’ next-generation Chef’s Badge, joining TV chef and food education advocate Ainsley Harriott to showcase the updated programme to a national audience.
On Monday 9 March, two members of the 63rd Hackney Scout Group, Renaie Campbell (10) and Jack Oliver (13), appeared on BBC Breakfast with Harriott to mark the national launch. Their Scout section, which supports young people aged 10 to 14, was the first in the UK to trial the refreshed badge. They also took part in a national photoshoot and now feature as the faces of the new partnership with HelloFresh, the badge’s sponsor.
The updated badge introduces modern cooking skills and priorities for today’s young people. More than 127,000 Scouts will now be able to work towards it, with new requirements that include reducing food waste and understanding portioning. Research by OnePoll for HelloFresh found that 55% of young people do not feel confident cooking a meal for themselves or others, highlighting a significant gap in practical life skills.
Jack Oliver, Scout, said:
“I’m lucky that I’ve been encouraged to help cook at home, but since doing my Chef’s Badge at Scouts my confidence has grown. I’ve now gone from just helping with meals to taking the lead. It’s really given me the skills to be able to cook full meals for myself and my family.”
Renaie and Jack have had a busy few weeks, taking part in the national launch and appearing live on television with former Scout Ainsley Harriott.
Renaie Campbell, Scout, said:
“It’s been such a fun few weeks. I got to meet Ainsley, work towards my Chef’s Badge learning new skills and cooking my favourite foods like pasta, and travel up to Manchester to be on TV, all in my first few months of moving up to Scouts. I’ve had the best time and Scouts has given me chances to do things I never thought I would.”
The refreshed badge brings new energy to a long-standing Scouting skill, giving young people the chance to build confidence in the kitchen with a programme shaped around the growing demand for practical, everyday abilities.
Ainsley Harriott said:
“It’s absolutely brilliant that HelloFresh is partnering with Scouts in order to encourage them to develop their taste in food. Cooking is one of the greatest gifts you can give a young person. When they learn how to chop, stir, taste and portion properly, you can see their confidence grow. Scouts already do brilliant things with food, and this badge gives them even more reason to get stuck in.”
The 63rd Hackney Scout Group is one of 7,000 Scout groups across the UK, run by volunteers who help bring life‑shaping opportunities and skills for life to more than 140,000 young people. To get involved as a young person or volunteer, visit www.scouts.org.uk/join.
