The Derbyshire Archaeology Badge is a new award for young people in Scouts with the aim of inspiring a new generation of archaeologists as well as using archaeology to address greater issues within the world today, all whilst being accessible, creative and fun.
Recent Cambridge archaeology graduate Morgause Lomas came up with the idea having been inspired by the vast range of archaeological and heritage sites within Derbyshire – many on the doorstep of Scout Huts – which include the Neolithic henge of Arbor Low, 11th century Peveril Castle at Castleton and the World Heritage Site of Derwent Valley Mills.
Morgause, who read archaeology at Homerton College and graduated in 2020, said, “I wanted to highlight the richness of Derbyshire archaeology and inspire youngsters to take an interest in the history of their county and countryside which has so many archaeological and heritage sites right on their doorsteps.”
“Throughout my degree, one of the peculiar things we used to say was an archaeologist’s answer is always just another question. This was something I have really come to appreciate, as it allows us to truly consider all aspects of a question or topic to make sure we are taking all possible answers into consideration.”
“This idea of questioning ideas and thoughts was something I really wanted to reflect in the badge, allowing Scouts throughout Derbyshire to use archaeology to tackle all types of topics and questions we face in the 21st century – from climate change to discrimination. Archaeology has the ability to teach young people not only about the past but about how we can address the future.”
The badge gives all Derbyshire Scouting sections, aged 6 to 25, the opportunity to explore archaeology within Derbyshire with activities including museum and park visits, taking part in excavations, hands-on activities and running community projects.
Commenting on how the badge has been received, Morgause said, “Take up of the badge has been good and I’ve had lots of great feedback. We only created the badge in December 2020 and have already handed out 60. There are 10,000 scouts in Derbyshire, so plenty more to reach. I have great aspirations for the badge in the future, and would love for it to be expanded further afield across the UK. There are nearly 500,000 scouts in the UK and to inspire at least a few of them to get into archaeology would be incredible.”
More information about the badge can be found on the Derbyshire Scouts website or follow on Facebook.
Sections of this article originally formed part of a feature in Parklife magazine.
