Scouts from South Delta troops received the highest award they can achieve last month.

The Chief Scout's Award represents "several years of dedication, improvement and hard work," according to the Scouts Canada website.

Five members of the 1st Kirkland in Ladner and five members from the 3rd Boundary Bay Scout group received the award at a ceremony in Abbotsford, noted Michael Hughes, a scout counsellor with the Ladner troop.

Sixty scouts from across the Fraser Valley received the award on behalf of Canada's Chief Scout, Governor-General Michaëlle Jean.

After the awards were presented by a federal judge, a celebratory banquet was held for families and leaders of the scouts.

Scouts learn about and work on citizenship, leadership, personal development and outdoor skills, environmental awareness and conservation and World Scouting to achieve the award.

Hughes said the scouts receive a badge to wear on their uniform and a certificate they can present to their high school counsellor to earn credits toward high school graduation.

Former governor general Roland Michener created the award.