Awarding Australian Scout Achievements

A special presentation ceremony took place at Banksia Scout Den in Andergrove on 27th November, celebrating the Australian Scout Award (ASA).

Winners of the ASA included Scouts Avianca Johnson, Bindi Nongsra, Ebony Anderson and Logan Perkins.

Scout Leader Joanne Hamilton said that all four recipients worked extremely hard to complete the requirements of the ASA and congratulated them for sticking it out. The recipients have displayed extreme persistence and perseverance, in both understanding this new award scheme and getting through the COVID years.

Earning the ASA is no easy task. Some of the activities they were required to achieve were Stage 5 Level in bushcraft, bushwalking and camping, ten advancements in Outdoor Adventure Skills, six special interest badges, attending a Leadership Course and plan and take part in an Adventurous Journey - which is a three day, two night hike. The final requirement was to complete a personal reflection.

Bindi’s adventurous journey was a hike through Eungella visiting The Diggings and Crediton and Avie, Ebony and Logan completed their hikes along the Conway Circuit through the Conway National Park.

Avie invited Rover Scout Kat Allen to present her with the Award. Bindi, Ebony and Logan invited Scout Leader Joanne Hamilton to present theirs.

Avie Johnson started scouting as a Joey Scout in 2015 and has progressed through the levels and she will advance to the Venturer Scout Section. She has enjoyed the many hikes, she said it was amazing being a part of the JOTA JOTI planning committee, attending the Leap 2023 camp in Townsville which is like a mini Jamboree.

Bindi Nongsra started scouting in the Cub Scout Section and progressed to the scout section. She found achieving the Special Interest Awards (SIA) and the planning for hikes etc somewhat of a challenge at times, however once she completed the requirements she said, she was amazed how much she had learned along the way and the friends she has made.

Ebony Anderson said that starting in the scout section with the new award scheme and the lockdown for COVID and learning how to do activities demonstrated by Patrol Leaders online was a challenge. Ebony said she has grown in knowledge and skills immensely without realising it. Ebony said all the tears, groaning, and non-stop complaining when going on the 3 day hikes turned into laughter and memorable times.

Logan Perkins started in scouting in the Cub Scout Section and progressed to the Scout Section. He said he learned immensely from attending the Leadership Course. He really enjoyed the Water Activities, paddling, canoeing etc. At the presentation Logan encouraged the younger scouts to take as many opportunities as possible like he did in his journey in scouting.

All Awardees thanked their leaders and their parents in encouraging and supporting them in their endeavour to earn the Australian Scout Award.

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Ebony, Avie, Bindi and Logan at the Australian Scout Award ceremony

Photo supplied