Three Counties Show launches novel scouts badge

The Royal Three Counties Show has come up with a novel way to educate young people about food and farming – it is offering a special scouts badge for children who complete specified activities at the show.

In what is thought to be a first for an agricultural show, the badge (pictured below) will be open to scouts, cubs and beavers across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Young people who meet all the requirements of the badge will be able to wear it on their uniforms for up to 12 months after the show.

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Show organisers say it is a new way of championing the opportunities in agriculture and engaging the next generation in the future of farming.

Tess Warby, show support for the Three Counties, said it was an exciting initiative for the show society and was one way of attracting children who might not usually attend the event.

About 300 young people had signed up to complete the badge, which requires different activities to be completed according to their age band.

For example, beavers will be asked to visit the smallholders’ area to find out that food production can happen on a small scale.

They also need to go to the Discover Sheep section, draw a picture of what they find and write a few sentences about what they have learned.

Scouts have a longer list of requirements they must meet, including producing a collage of photos or drawn pictures following a visit to the Farming Village.

A number of scouts are also expected to take part in the grand parade, carrying leader boards for the different breeds as they walk around the grand ring.

The children will be given free entry to the show, which runs from 17-19 June.

Worcestershire livestock farmer and NFU council delegate Tim Jones, who has been involved in the scouting movement for more than 20 years as a scout leader and climbing instructor, said the badge was a fantastic initiative.

“As farmers it is vital that we meet our customers and explain to them what we are doing. This badge is a brilliant opportunity for young people to visit the show and to dig into what we do as an industry.”