TOP SCOUT
29 June 2009
Joanne Parker, an Assistant Scout Leader with 7th Swindon Scouts, has had a busy couple of months. Last month she was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by the Mayor of Swindon and now she has received her Queen’s Scout Award from District Commissioner Ann Crowley.
She was presented with the Award, the top award in scouting, at the Group’s AGM on Monday.
The Group, which this year celebrates it’s 10th birthday, is moving to a bigger meeting venue, Red Oaks Primary School, Redhouse, from September due to the increasing number of young people wanting to join. The Group, open to both girls and boys, has three sections covering Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10½ years) and Scouts (10½-14 years). All sections offer a wide range of activities including camping, arts and crafts, hikes and trips which cover the wide scouting programme.
Joanne only got involved in scouting in February 2008 when, as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, she had to complete 18 months of service. With the recommendation of an American ex-boy scout, Joanne linked up with the 1st Chelmsford and then with 7th Swindon scouts. Since being with 7th Swindon she has also completed her Scout adult training.
Other sections of the D of E Award involved Jo learning a new skill for which she observed, studied, researched and cared for “Fancy rats”. For Physical Fitness she started running which she has now progressed to orienteering.
The Expedition section saw Joanne on Dartmoor for three nights and four days along with two members of the Lancaster Scout Network and four girls from the Boys Brigade. She also spent 5 days in Utah, USA teaching scouting skills to the Girl Scouts of Utah.
In order to gain the Queen’s Scout Award Joanne had to spend an additional 18 nights away, 12 of which were camping with the Scouts, and 18 months as a Network member. She also had to participate in two activities of International and Environmental & Values projects.
Joanne’s current role as an Assistant Scout Leader for the 7th Swindon has involved her helped the group in preparing for camps, running activities and educational evenings as well as representing the Group at various events.
The Scout section is particularly lucky with all four leaders now having gained the Queen’s Scout Award.
All the sections are always on the look out for volunteers who wish to get involved and if you feel you could spare a few hours, not necessarily every week, please contact them for more information.
Back
to Archived News |
