Bahrain Makes History: First King’s Scout in 57 Years

At just 25 years old, Yousef Mostafa Elziny has etched his name into the history of Bahraini scouting. He is the first Bahraini to receive the prestigious King’s Scout Award since 1968 the highest honor in scouting recognizing exceptional leadership, unwavering service, and dedication to community.

The King’s Scout Award represents the highest and most prestigious honor in British Scouting for members aged 16 to 25. It is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional dedication, completing a series of demanding challenges. These include an expedition into wild country, a five-day residential project, the development of new skills, and meaningful service to the community.

We had the privilege of sitting down with Yousef to learn about his journey, his motivations, and the lessons he hopes to share with aspiring scouts across Bahrain and beyond.

When asked how it feels to achieve such a historic milestone, Yousef's eyes lit up. “I feel truly delighted and proud not just personally, but for all of Bahrain and its youth. To be the first Bahraini to receive the King’s Scout Award is a milestone that symbolizes dedication, leadership, and the spirit of service,” he said. He credited his peers, mentors, and supporters, acknowledging their guidance and belief in him as a driving force behind his success. “I hope this milestone inspires young people across the world to dream bigger, take on challenges, and make a lasting impact in their communities,” Yousef added.

What inspired Yousef to pursue this prestigious award? The answer lies in his passion for empowering others. His experiences with INJAZ Bahrain and Toastmasters revealed his love for mentoring and guiding people to unlock their potential. “I’ve seen how a single workshop or mentoring session can inspire confidence, shift perspectives, and help someone take their next big step. That sense of impact motivated me to pursue the King’s Scout Award,” he explained. For Yousf, the award became a platform to combine leadership, service, and personal growth while inspiring others along the way.

The road to the King’s Scout Award was far from easy. Yousef shared that balancing community service, physical activity, skill development, expeditions, and leadership requirements alongside his studies and volunteer commitments was the toughest part. “Participating in the international exchange with Scouts in Tunisia was both exciting and demanding. It taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of teamwork,” he reflected. More importantly, Yousf learned that true leadership is about empowering others—not just achieving personal goals.

The journey to the King’s Scout Award spanned three years, a period marked not just by completing tasks, but by embracing consistent growth. Yousf dedicated himself to volunteering, leading workshops, contributing to SDG programs, and participating in international exchanges. “I actively sought feedback from mentors and peers, using it to continuously improve. Each step required dedication, planning, and perseverance, and seeing the personal and communal impact was incredibly rewarding,” he said.

For scouts aiming to follow in his footsteps, Yousf has simple yet powerful advice: commit, be patient, and embrace the journey. Focus on learning, serving others, and personal development, he urges, and always take every opportunity to mentor and inspire. Quoting Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, founder of Toastmasters International, said, “We learn best in moments of enjoyment.” The essence of the King’s Scout Award, Yousef emphasizes, is not only personal achievement but the positive influence you create in your community.