It's that time of the year again, as we approach our Annual Review and AGM - we're looking to recognise the exceptional young people in our midst with the Commander Bruce Award.
As last year, we are looking for young people from every age range who have inspired and encouraged others in their ‘Scout Section’ over a period of time or at a one-off event in a way that makes them stand out ‘ahead’ of the crowd’. That's the brief.
We want to get as many nominations as possible from all age ranges and from across the County. Nominations can come from any volunteer in Hampshire, but you must complete them by Friday 24th April 2026.
Nominations close on Friday 24th April 2026, no nominations are accepted after this date, and the winners will be notified no later than 22nd May 2026. The award presentation will take place at the County Annual Review & AGM on Sunday 28th June 2026 at our Ferny Crofts Activity Centre in the New Forest.
The Commander Bruce Award (previously called The Bruce Award) was introduced after the Bruce family gave some money to Hampshire Scouts from a collection taken at the memorial service of the late Lieutenant Commander Henry V Bruce - a former chair of Hampshire Scouts - held at Winchester Cathedral. Explorer Scouts carried the flag leading the procession.
Presented annually, recently the award is given to a youth member of Hampshire Scouts, who had inspired and encouraged others in Scouts either over a period or at a one-off event. In 2026 the total award prize amount is £1,000 kindly given by the Bruce family and another benefactor.
To be considered for the Commander Bruce Award, a nominee must have inspired and encouraged others in their ‘Scout Section’ over a period of time or at a one-off event in a way that makes them stand out ‘ahead’ of the crowd’ in one of the sections below:
Any adult member or associate member in Hampshire Scouts may nominate a young person (or persons) who they believe meets the award criteria. A nomination must be submitted using the online nomination form to the County Youth Lead only before Friday 24th April 2026.
Successful nominees will be informed by the County Youth Lead no later than 31st May 2026 and be invited to attend the County Annual Review & AGM on Sunday 28th June 2026.
The total annual award for distribution is £1,000, which will be broken down as £200 for each of the five categories:
£100 of the award presented for each individual will go to their group to invest in new scouting equipment.
The County Youth Lead (CYL) will chair the Commander Bruce Award judging panel, which comprises the Deputy County Youth Leads, Deputy County Chair and if available a member of the Bruce Award organizing team. The panel will convene Friday 1st May 2025.
The 2026 Commander Bruce Awards will be presented during the County Annual Review & AGM on Sunday 28th June 2026 at Ferny Crofts Activity Centre.
Dee Wright
County Youth Lead
Martin Rudd
County Team Leader - Community Support
