By TANIA PHILLIPS
CHINDERAH Scout Elizabeth Kirk has been awarded the Australian Scout Medallion – the highest achievement available in the Scouts.
Elizabeth, the first Chinderah Scout to receive the prestigious award, received the accolade at the end of year celebration at Chinderah Scout Hall earlier this month.
The award was presented by member for Richmond Justine Elliot with Russell Muddle, representing the North Coast Region of Scouts NSW and Chinderah Group Leader David Hutchinson also in attendendance.
Group Leader Hutchinson said that it was exciting to see a Scout Medallion presented, especially as it was the first for the Chinderah Scout Group and how proud the group is of Elizabeth.
Justine Elliott said Elizabeth was the first Scout from the Tweed region to have received the prestigious Australian Scout Medallion.
“It was an honour to be invited to present this important medallion to Elizabeth. It reflects Elizabeth’s long-term commitment to the Scout movement, its ideals and values,” Justine said.
To earn the medallion, a Scout must complete the Adventurer Level Cord. Elizabeth achieved this by organising a 42-kilometre hike over two days.
The Scout must also complete at least 10 hours of community service, be of good character, have attended a Scout leadership course, and undertaken a leadership project.
On completion the successful Scout will be presented with the Australian Scout Medallion, together with a badge to wear on their uniform and a certificate issued by the Governor of their state.
“It was a privilege to also catch up with Elizabeth’s parents Owen and Bridget Kirk who were beaming with pride at their daughter’s achievements,” said Justine.
Chinderah Scouts are now finished for the year and will restart the second week of first term, 2014.
The group is looking for new members: Joeys – 6-8 years, Cubs 8-11 years, Scouts 11-15 years and Venturers 15-18 years as well as adults interested in becoming section leaders.
The group is also looking for a new group leader to take over in 2015 which would suit a retired businessman, preferably one with a Scouting background.
Interested parties can contact David Hutchinson at 1stchinderah@dgmail.com.au to get a place and find out more about the group, the hall renovation and hiring of the hall and what Scouts do.
