The World Scout Committee is pleased to recognise four extraordinary Scout leaders with the Bronze Wolf Award, the highest honour in World Scouting. This prestigious award celebrates their remarkable service and significant contributions at the national, regional, and global levels of Scouting. These distinguished individuals embody the true spirit of Scouting through their dedication over the years. Their exceptional leadership and commitment have impacted the lives of Scouts, inspiring future generations worldwide. 

 

James "Jim" Kastelic (Namibia)

James "Jim" Kastelic has been awarded the Bronze Wolf Award for his exceptional contributions to Scouting at the global, regional, and national levels over the past several decades. 

Jim's commitment and passion for Scouting has been evident since he became a Scout leader in 1989. He represented Namibia at the 35th World Scout Conference in Durban, South Africa, and played a crucial role in planning and organising the 13th World Scout Moot held in Kenya. His expertise and dedication led to his appointment as a WOSM Consultant for the areas of communications and partnerships. He also participated in the 42nd World Scout Conference, and represented the Africa Scout Region at the 2023 Strategy for Scouting workshop in Germany. Throughout contributions at the World level of Scouting, Jim has worked to actively promote youth engagement in decision-making, and championed the principles of inclusivity and youth empowerment.

Jim has also made significant contributions to the Africa Scout Region. As the Director of Youth Programme and Deputy Regional Director at the World Scout Bureau’s Africa Support Centre from 2008 to 2010, he played a key role in advocating for and implementing activities in the Region’s different zones. He attended the 46th Southern Zone Conference as the Zonal Executive Consultant, and was elected to the Board of Directors for the Africa Scout Foundation.

Nationally, Jim's leadership has been instrumental in advancing Scouting in Namibia. He prepared the Namibian National Scout Organization for full membership in WOSM, and represented Namibia at the Southern Zone Youth Programme workshop, where a core youth programme for the zone was developed. Jim developed guidelines and a plan of action for introducing Rover Scouting in Namibia, and served as Chair of the Constitutional Review Committee for Scouts of Namibia. He directed the first Advanced Scout Wood Badge Course and was appointed Camp Director for the 5th Namibia National Scout Camp. Jim also launched the Food for Life programme in Namibia with funding from Messengers of Peace, and the Scouting in Schools programme in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. Elected as Chief Scout of Scouts of Namibia, Jim coordinated a new three-year strategic plan for the expansion, diversification, and sustainable development of Scouts of Namibia. He currently serves as the Deputy Regional Commissioner for Terminalia Scout Region within the country.

Among his many accolades, Jim has been honoured with both the Africa Elephant Award, and Scouts of Namibia's highest award, the Order of the Silver Oryx. Jim Kastelic's unwavering dedication and contributions to Scouting have left a lasting mark on the Scout Movement, making him a deserving recipient of the Bronze Wolf Award.

 

 

 

Margaret "Maggie" Blick Kigozi (Uganda)

Professor Margaret “Maggie” Kigozi has been awarded the Bronze Wolf Award for her outstanding leadership within the Uganda Scout Association, and contributions as an innovator in the Africa Scout Region which have led to the success of Scouting across the continent and throughout the Scout Movement.

Maggie served as Chairperson of the Africa Scout Foundation from 2015-2022, where she worked diligently to grow the Foundation’s core fund, and direct seed funding to National Scout Organizations to help them organise local activities. Maggie introduced the concept of International Ambassadors to promote the Foundation and its work across other Scout regions by successfully recruiting Ambassadors in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region. She also initiated and promoted Junior Membership for the Africa Scout Foundation, allowing young people to join at various levels with a reduced contribution. Maggie is one of the Foundation's most active and generous donors, creating an endowment fund and being an engaged steward of the Foundation’s activities.

Beyond her role with the Africa Scout Foundation, Maggie led the national team that organised the 16th Africa Scout Conference in Uganda in 2015, and facilitated both the Africa Regional Conference in Uganda in 2015 and the Africa Regional Jamboree in 2020 which was held virtually due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she served on the Region's Honours and Awards Committee from 2018 to 2022. She also represented the Africa Scout Region at key international events, including the European Regional Conference in Denmark in 2015, the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in the Philippines in 2018, and the 16th European Regional Conference in Croatia in 2019.

Nationally, Maggie served as the first Chief Commissioner of the Uganda Scout Association, and went on to become Chief Scout. She used her position to advocate for gender equality among Scouts and Adult Leaders. As a Medical Advisor to the Uganda Cabinet, she used her expertise and experience to grow Scouting in Africa, and promote the impact of Scouting across the country through Uganda television and radio appearances.

Maggie continues to serve as a Trustee of the Uganda Scout Association and as a member of the Africa Scout Foundation Committee. Her remarkable contributions have earned her the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award, recognising her outstanding service and dedication to the Scout Movement.

 

 

 

Leonardo Morales (Costa Rica)

Leonardo Morales has earned the Bronze Wolf Award for his outstanding commitment and contributions to the Scout Movement, especially in promoting youth engagement in decision-making. 

As a member of the World Scout Committee from 2017 to 2021, Leonardo has leveraged his skills and experience to support good governance within Scouting, including transforming the induction and consolidating governance processes for World and Regional Scout Committee members. He has been instrumental in various planning and delivery teams for World Scout Events, including numerous World Scout Jamborees (Korea 2023, USA 2019, Japan 2015, Sweden 2011) and World Scout Conferences (Virtual 2021, Azerbaijan 2017, Slovenia 2014, Brazil 2011, Korea 2008, Tunisia 2005), as well as two World Scout Education Congresses (Switzerland 2017, Hong Kong 2013).

As a member of the Interamerican Scout Committee from 2010 to 2016, during which time he also served as it’s chair, Leonardo promoted and supported the integration of two Youth Advisors within the Committee, and the approval and updating of a new Regional Constitution. He revitalised youth participation processes and policies through workshops such as Youth for Change, and initiated the Interamerican Leadership Training (ILT) youth leadership course which has been grown to attract participants from across the region and internationally. Leonardo also updated and developed procedures for regional Scout events, and established parliamentary norms within the Interamerican Scout Committee. He was a key member of the planning teams for Regional Scout Conferences in Argentina (2013) and the United States of America (2016), and the Interamerica Summits in Panama (2012) and Cancun (2015). 

In Costa Rica, at 35-years-old, Leonardo was elected as the youngest President in the history of the Association of Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica, marking his strong commitment to youth empowerment in Scouting. He has championed the meaningful involvement of young people at every level of Scouting by taking action to organise and promote events for young people, forming and leading teams that include them, and engaging with National Scout Organization leadership over youth involvement. Currently, Leonardo continues to serve as a member of the Consultative Committee of the Association of Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica. 

Leonardo’s outstanding service to Scouting has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Silver Wolf from Scouts Canada, the Silver Sakura Award from the Scout Association of Japan, and the Mugunghwa Bronze Medal from the Korea Scout Association. Leonardo's ongoing dedication and impactful contributions have earned him the prestigious Bronze Wolf Award, highlighting his remarkable service to the global Scouting community.

 

 

 

Gillian “Gill” Clay (United Kingdom)

Gillian "Gill" Clay has served the Scout Movement for more than 40 years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment that spans decades. Her continuous involvement in Scouting, even into her 80s, exemplifies a remarkable level of dedication that is both rare and inspiring.

As the granddaughter of Robert Baden-Powell and Olave St. Clair Baden-Powell, Gill carries a unique legacy that she has leveraged to inspire others within the Movement. Her enthusiastic and innovative leadership style rooted a deep understanding of Scouting's core values has made her a model of effective and passionate leadership. Her continuous advocacy for Scouting’s values and its essential role in community building and youth development has facilitated support and resources for Scouting initiatives worldwide.

Gill has represented Scouting at numerous Jamborees across Scouting’s Regions, including Interamerica, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, where she has supported the engagement of thousands of young people and adult volunteers. Her travels have taken her to visit Scouts in Hungary, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Namibia, where her connection with the Baden-Powell family has generated great interest. At the 100th Anniversary Camporee of the Boy Scouts of America in Houston, Texas, Gill participated in campfires and skills competitions interacting closely with Scouts and Adult Leaders, even choosing to camp in a tent like other Scouts. 

In 2013, at the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree, Gill contributed actively to daily events, earning her the Silver World Award for her extraordinary service to young people internationally. In 2023, she undertook a wing-walking fundraiser on a biplane, raising significant funds for her local Scout group and Gilwell Park.

In her local roles, Gill has focused her energies on nurturing the Beaver Scout and Cub Scout sections, employing her decades of experience to enrich the Scouting programme with creativity and fun. She has served in various capacities, from Assistant Beaver Scout Leader at the 1st Cowbridge Scout Group to Area Training Advisor in Cardiff and Vale in Wales for 12 years. Her leadership during her tenure as a Beaver Scout Leader elevated programme standards within the district and served as a beacon of inspiration to fellow leaders. Additionally, she served as Deputy Lieutenant for East Glamorgan County, a Crown appointment representing HM Queen Elizabeth II at local ceremonies and events.

Despite stepping down as Area Training Advisor in 2020, Gill remains a vital source of wisdom and guidance within her community. She continues to be actively involved in international events and enjoys meeting Scout Leaders at the annual Gilwell reunion. In 2022, she was honoured with the Silver Wolf Award, recognising her exceptional service to Scouting in the United Kingdom.

Gill Clay’s over 40-plus years of service to Scouting exemplify a unique commitment and dedication, and her continuous involvement serves as a remarkable source of inspiration for Scouts and leaders worldwide. The Bronze Wolf Award celebrates Gill’s extraordinary contributions and enduring impact on the global Scouting community.