When Joseph Crowe from 2nd Rhyl Cubs realised he was just one badge away from completing every single activity badge available in Cubs, he didn’t shrug it off. He made it his mission.
That final badge was the Equestrian Badge – and it wasn’t a straightforward one. Joseph had never ridden a horse before. But rather than let that stand in his way, he reached out for support, and that support came from an unexpected place.
Penny, a Beaver leader within Vale of Clwyd Scouts, has horses of her own. When she heard what Joseph was working towards, she offered to help. Completely outside of her usual Scouting role, Penny gave Joseph the opportunity to get in the saddle, learn the skills, and work through everything required to earn the badge. Thanks to her generosity and Joseph’s determination, he got there.
Completing every activity badge in Cubs is a remarkable achievement on its own. But Joseph’s story doesn’t stop there.
He had already done exactly the same thing in Beavers.
Every badge. Every section. Twice over.
The recognition Joseph received for this was well deserved. He was presented with an Outstanding Achievement in Scouting Award at the inaugural SOSCAs – the Stars of Scouting Clwyd Awards – back in 2024. It was a fitting moment to celebrate a young person who had shown exactly what Scouting is all about: setting yourself a challenge, asking for help when you need it, and seeing it through.
Joseph has now moved up to Scouts, and if his time in Beavers and Cubs is anything to go by, there is plenty more to come.
We are incredibly proud of everything Joseph has achieved. A huge well done to him, and a heartfelt thank you to Penny for going above and beyond to make that final badge possible.

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