Two sisters from Frome have been recognised with Scouting’s highest honour after attending a prestigious ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Rachel, 23, and Jessica Brown, 19, were presented with the King’s Scout Award in recognition of their years of dedication, leadership and service within the Scout movement.
Both sisters have been involved in Scouting since the age of five, have volunteered extensively and taken on various expedition challenges including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
The special event at Windsor Castle recently brought together award recipients from across the UK and included the opportunity to meet inspirational figures such as British astronaut Tim Peake and UK Chief Scout Dwayne Fields.
The sisters have shared their thanks to all the leaders and volunteers from Frome Scout groups and Rode Explorer Scouts for their time, encouragement and commitment to the Scouting family.
They said, “We wouldn’t have achieved this without the support of Frome Scouts and the wider scouting community.”
Over the years, Rachel and Jessica have volunteered extensively as young leaders with 5th Frome Scouts, as well as 1st, 7th and 10th Frome Scout Groups, supporting younger members and helping to run activities.
Their Scouting journeys have taken them across the world. Rachel attended the World Scout Jamboree in the USA and also volunteered at a primary school in Kenya, while Jessica represented the UK at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Their expedition challenges have seen them take on some of the UK’s most demanding landscapes, including Dartmoor, Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. In 2024, they reached new heights together by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Alongside their Scouting achievements, the pair have also completed their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Jessica has also supported the local community through volunteering at the Julian House charity shop, while Rachel developed her skills as a member of the National Scout Rifle Squad.
Reflecting on their achievements, the sisters said their shared sense of adventure, confidence and resilience have been influenced by their years in Scouting.
Rachel and Jessica are now encouraging other young people in Frome to get involved, highlighting the wide range of Scout groups in the area and the opportunities available for children to build skills, friendships and lifelong memories.
