Special interest badges are open-ended badges that reflect the interests of the young person undertaking them. Any subject is possible and the requirements are designed by the young person in consultation and agreement with their Scouters.

Badges are presented under a number of themes into which the special interest subject will fall. The themes are:

• Physical
• arts & crafts
• Skill
• Environment
• Community
• Adventure

Badge requirements will differ depending on the individual Scout undertaking for the badge. The principle of ‘doing one’s best’ is the key feature of badges awarded under this area. The system allows everyone to choose what they want to do, it provides recognition for personal effort, rather than achieving a grade, so everyone has a chance to achieve the badge.

Badge requirements are designed to allow exploration of the subject, develop and improve skills, and put the new knowledge into practice, preferably as a practical project that will benefit others. It will often be that they are embarking on a new extracurricular activity, and this badge is a mechanism to recognise their efforts and achievements.

A Scout may achieve recognition for the same Special Interest Badge Area up to three times in any one Section. You are awarded the badge the first time you do a Special Interest Badge and a ‘bar’for each of the others in this Special Interest Badge area.

Scout special Interest Badge form – Click Here

Additional ideas for criteria – Click here