The 44-year-old dedicated his award to all scout volunteers in the country.
Grylls, who is recognised for services to young people, the media and charity, said: "This really is a huge honour and it's something, if I'm honest, that I never expected to happen.
"But I really do feel it's a team effort, this award is for every one of those incredible Scout volunteers."
Other famous names being recognised include author Lee Child and Oscar-winner Olivia Colman (below) who has been made a CBE.
The star of The Favourite, Broadchurch and Peep Show told the Press Association: "I'm totally thrilled, delighted and humbled to be in the company of these incredible people, most of whom have been nowhere near as visible as I have, but should be - and hopefully now will be.
"It's such an honour."
Along with the famous names, the list also celebrates the efforts of those working to improve people's lives.
Nimco Ali and Dr Leyla Hussein, who have both dedicated their time to campaigning against female genital mutilation (FGM) after being subjected to the practice as children, are made OBEs.
Sonia Watson, the chief executive of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, is made an OBE for her work helping disadvantaged people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to pursue a career in architecture - the chosen career of the murdered teenager.
Some 15 foster carers who have looked after more than 1,000 children between them are made MBEs, while seven Holocaust survivors receive British Empire Medals (BEMs).
The following Christians were also honoured:
- Rev Anna Besai for services to the United Church and women's development
- Ben Imal for services to the Assemblies of God Church
- Siloe Mase for services to the United Church
- Tonny Sios for services to the Seventh Day Adventist Church
- Hiob Tupeno Wekiko for services to the Evangelical Lutheran Church
- Fred Meraveka Eovo for services to the church and the community
- Adriaan Petrus Charles Van Zyl, warden St Andrews Church for services to the community in London
- Rhiannon Katherine Lawrence, Chair of Governors Curzon Church of England Combined School, Buckinghamshire for services to Education
- Isabel Charlene Almeida Condeco, for services to Slamannam Parish Church and to the community in Stirlingshire
- Ian Lee Carter for services to the Church and to charity in Essex
- Dr Jean Lesley Wilson, President Church Monuments Society for services to Heritage
- Rev Carol Rosemary Avery for services to the community in Kent
- Rev John Walter Butcher, Force Chaplain West Midlands Police for services to West Midlands Police and to the community in Birmingham
- Chaplain to the Forces, Rev Michael Paul Dare Fava
- Dr Rev Ifill Earlin Russell for services to religion
- Dr Rev James Samuel Sweeting for services to civics and religion
- Pastor Paul Adlai Scavella for services to religion and community
- Pastor Kamis Bira for services to the community and religion
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