Logan Hough, aged 10, from Waterfoot, has completed a feat that very few Cub Scouts ever manage: earning every Activity Badge available on the programme. The determined youngster worked through all 39 red and yellow Activity Badges, plus an additional award introduced after a syllabus change, during his time with the 38th Rossendale Friday Cubs.
His father, Mike Hough, was faced with a practical challenge once Logan had finished the last badge: there was no room left on the left sleeve of Logan's uniform. Mike had to sew the badges around the shoulder of the jumper, where they now form a dense cluster of accomplishment.
A shared project after family loss
The badges are more than a collection for Logan and his dad. They began focusing on the activity awards at home after the death of Logan's mother, Clare, in 2023. Mike explained that the routine gave Logan something constructive to channel his energy into after a difficult period.
"After his mum died, we tried all sorts: a football club and gym because Logan had a lot of aggression and anger," Mike said. "Then when he started Cubs at 38th Rossendale, I also got involved as a leader – Baloo – and we just started doing the Activity Badges at home because it gave Logan something to do and to focus on."
Autism as a strength, not a barrier
Logan, who has autism, a lifelong condition that affects communication and interaction, found that his intense focus often helped him master the badge requirements. He described how his neurodivergent way of thinking sometimes gave him an edge in learning new skills.
"Sometimes my autism has helped me to gain my badges," Logan said. His favourite activities ranged widely, from caring for animals to exploring equestrian knowledge and reading. He added: "One of the first badges I got was the Chef and I most enjoyed doing the Animal Care, Equestrian and Book Reader badges. I liked learning about animals and it was fun to learn about them from a science point of view."
Impressive list of extra awards
Beyond the core Activity Badges, Logan also collected 25 Staged Activity Badges, seven Challenge Badges and the Chief Scout's Silver Award – the highest award a Cub Scout can achieve. This brings the total number of badges sewn onto his uniform to more than 70.
His knowledge extends well beyond badge work. Logan has read all of the Harry Potter books except two, and he can identify trees by sight – for example, recognising a silver birch from its distinctive bark. He says the skills he has learned through Cub Scouts have given him a broader understanding of the world.
'Children should try Cubs'
Logan is keen to encourage other children to follow in his footsteps. "Children should try Cubs because it teaches them a lot about the world," he said. "I am really good at trees and I can look at one – like that one [pointing to a tree] and know it is a silver birch just from looking at its bark."
"I liked learning all the different parts of a horse and the rules and then there is Book Reader; I have read all the Harry Potter books except two – Deathly Hallows 1 and 2. I hope to get all of the badges now I am in Scouts too."
Strategy and quiet hobbies
Outside of Scouting, Logan enjoys board games that test his strategic thinking, including chess and Monopoly. These hobbies fit well with the methodical approach he brought to badge work.
His achievement is a source of pride for his family and for the 38th Rossendale Friday Cubs, who have watched him progress from a Beaver to a Scout. Logan initially joined the Beavers at the age of seven, but found the environment too loud. Joining Cubs early, where practical activities took centre stage, proved to be the perfect fit.
