Be prepared... for your Scouts-loving sprog to become tiny spin doctor

Scout Leaders are forever telling their youthful charges to be prepared for anything. But judging by a list of the new badges designed to reflect the modern age, new-school scouts had better be prepared for days spent working as corporate spin doctors and nights focused on whittling down their carbon footprint.

The Scouts have introduced a range of new badges that include sleeve-attached qualifications in disability, the environment and media relations.

Other badges introduced by the Scout Association include gardening, space, sports, fundraising and air and sea navigation.

Another doozy is for media relations, or PR as the non-Scout world calls it. We cannot yet confirm if this actually involves making friends with journalists or if Scouts can rely on the time-honoured practice of pinging crushingly dull press releases to dozens of scribblers and then following up with a few unwanted calls.

Chief Brit Scout, wildman-on-TV Edward "Bear" Grylls, said: "We're delighted to be launching a new range of badges that guarantee fun and adventure while encouraging Scouts to develop a greater understanding of modern society and the contribution they can make to society.

"Throughout its 107-year history, the Scouting movement has continued to evolve. These new badges make sure we are able to keep offering activities that educate and enthuse young people in equal measure." ®