Three local Venturer Scouts were among those recognised at Government House for the King’s Scout Award.
From the chilly tracks of Tasmania to the wilds of New Zealand, Venturer Scouts were exploring the wilderness on their journeys to their peak awards.
Last Saturday (09 August), Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW and Chief Scout of NSW, presented 30 Venturer Scouts with their King’s Scout Awards and two Rover Scouts with their Baden-Powell Scout Awards at Government House, Macquarie Street, Sydney (main image).
The King’s Scout Award is the peak milestone of a Venturer Scout’s journey. It aims to widen the interests and knowledge of Venturer Scouts (aged 14-17) by encouraging them to push their personal limits.
It is the embodiment of the key characteristics of a Scout — contributing to community, building resilience, overcoming challenges and following passions, all whilst developing leadership skills and making friendships.
To achieve this prestigious award, Venturer Scouts must complete a broad range of activities requiring extensive pre-planning and development, as well as a significant, multi-day ‘Adventurous Journey’. It can take three to four years to achieve the award.
Brookvale/Curl Curl Venturer Scout Unit Amelia Kew (image above, left) and Jesse Swane (image below, left), and 1st Allambie Heights Venturer Scout Unit Michael Elliott, were amongst those receiving their King’s Scout Award at the ceremony. For both Amelia and Jesse, it was further recognition, having already achieved the peak award in Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.
Achieving her King’s Scout Award saw Amelia step outside her comfort zone and facing her fears, culminating in her Adventurous Journey — a multi-day trek along the Overland Track in Tasmania.
There, surrounded by the rugged beauty of nature, she hiked with fellow Venturer Scouts including Jesse, learning to adapt to the harsh, chilly conditions. This experience provided an opportunity to build resilience and enhance her ability to manage risks in various environments, all while having fun.
Throughout his peak award journey, Jesse demonstrated a desire to challenge himself. Bouldering, canyoning, rock climbing, and cooking — especially when preparing meals over a campfire.
Michael Elliott (image above, left) completed his Adventurous Journey leading a hike to the Milford Track in New Zealand. The hiking group included another seven Venturer Scouts all helping him achieve his goals.
He repaid this kindness by supporting new youths joining the Venturer Scout Unit to confidently transition from Scouts, as well as volunteering with the Joey Scout Unit to assist with the weekly program over multiple terms.
Niamh Hitchman
Scouts NSW Deputy Chief Commissioner Niamh Hitchman commended the awardees on their achievements.
“When we think about the essence of our Movement, it’s our aim to provide our young people with a platform to learn, to grow, and to develop into individuals who contribute to their communities and our world in their own, unique ways.
“Amongst our members are young people who will be the next teachers, artists, doctors, lawyers and parliamentarians who will shape our world to be the better place we all believe it can be.
“They are the bright, shining stars of our Movement, who will continue to leave their mark on the world as they move through it,” said Ms Hitchman.
King’s Scout Award recipients work independently and collectively to achieve personal development and contribute to the community. The award is highly regarded, with some universities granting additional Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) points for qualifying recipients.
Information on how to join Scouts NSW is available on their website.
Images: Tony Rosier
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