Scouts to get B&Q DIY Badge

Their motto is ‘be prepared’ – something many grown-up scouts simply forget when it comes to DIY.
But thanks to a new badge the traditional wrestling match with a set of instructions could be about to skip a generation.
The aim of the Scouts DIY badge is to prevent children from growing up unable to do DIY like their parents

In the coming months half a millions Scouts across the UK will be taught practical DIY skills as part of an experiment with home improvement firm B&Q.

The badge has different levels and requires individuals to demonstrate basic DIY skills.

Scouts will be able to learn how to carry out a range of simple tasks such as renewing a tap washer, adjusting the float arm of a cistern and unblocking a sink.

Young people will also learn about more advanced DIY challenges such as insulating a cold-water storage tank, pipes and hot water cylinder, or preparing and painting woodwork and furniture.

B&Q has also developed a set of online activity packs tailored for different age ranges and groups from Beavers aged 6 to 8, Cubs aged 8 to 11 to Scouts aged 11 to 14.

It will allows young people to meet DIY challenges that are age appropriate.

In addition to the new set of skills Scouts will also learn about sustainability, such as the use of responsibly sourced timber.
Simon Carter, from the Scout Association, said: ‘Scouting is all about helping young people develop the skills they need for life. The types of skills girls and boys can acquire from gaining the DIY badge are the type of practical skills that are needed as they grow up and live independently away from the family home.’
Founded in 1907 the Scouts now has 28 million members, both male and female, worldwide and operates in nearly every country in the world.

Katherine Paterson, B&Q’s director of marketing said: “As the UK’s largest DIY retailer, this is a great step towards us skilling up the nation and replacing some of the long lost skills of DIY.
‘There is a chronic skills gap amongst the under 35’s who are less skilled in basic DIY compared to people from older generations.

‘This partnership with the Scouts serves as an ideal opportunity to reach out to half a million 6-14 year olds and give them the skills and the confidence to get the job done.’

Source : Paul Sims - MailOnline
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