¶ Chief Scout Platinum Award
¶ 🔍 Overview
The Chief Scout’s Platinum Award is the first of three top awards in Scouting and is often the starting point for Explorers looking to challenge themselves.
📌 Who is it for? Explorers aged 14-15 (though you can start later, max aged 17).
📌 How does it link to DofE? It closely aligns with DofE Bronze, meaning you can complete both awards at the same time by using the same activities.
📌 Why should you do it? It builds key skills in leadership, personal development, and adventure, setting you up for the Diamond Award and KSA.
¶ ☑️ Requirements
- Be a member of Explorer Scouts for six months.
- Complete six nights away as an Explorer Scout
- Four nights must be in a tent
- Two nights can be done indoors or elsewhere
You cannot use the nights away from your DofE expedition or any activity from your ICV list
- Complete two activities from the International, Community, and Values list for Platinum Award
- Choose wisely; the ICVs can be difficult to do!
I found that campsite service (Community) and JOTI (International) helped me achieve the ICV requirement. Read them, and choose two you can do.
Tip: If you plan to complete the King’s Scout Award (KSA), you’ll need six ICVs in total (2 from Platinum, two from Diamond, two from KSA, from each three categories)
Your mentor is often your Explorer Scout leader. Speak to them if you have an activity which is not listed.
- Hold the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze (This is self-explanatory; complete it and show your leader that all of your sections have been signed off)
¶ ⌚ Example Timeline
- 0-2 months: Join Explorers/Enrol in DofE
- 2-4 months: Achieve three nights away
- 5-6 months: Achieve ICV 1
- 6-7 months: Complete DofE Expedition
- 7-8 months: Achieve ICV 2 and achieve three nights away
- 8-9 months: Achieve DofE Bronze & finish Platinum Award
¶ 🧠 Lessons Learned
This is a suggested timeline I made, based on my personal experience. Your progress may vary depending on when you start each section.
- If your leader actively helps you achieve an ICV, get involved!
- Looking at different options led me to complete the JOTI.
- You're not expected to do your best, but it's a great starting position. Please don't get too worked up from it.
- Write out the achievable steps, and break them down in smaller chunks.