Jack Freeman was recently awarded the prestigious scouting honour, which is earned only through participation in a Scout leadership course with additional demonstration of an active leadership role in Scouting and achieving the Adventurer Cord.
Group Leader Jessica Barlett said the achievement was a huge honour and highlighted Jack’s character as a go-getter.
“To reach this award is a huge achievement, but to overcome the challenges of the last two years to achieve it is an amazing effort,” she said.
“This medal acknowledges the hard work and leadership that Jack demonstrates both in and out of the hall.”
Jack, 15, has been a Scout member for many years and is a Patrol Leader for 1st Kyabram Scouts.
Jack led a group of six Scouts for the Scout Hike event, which required the group to hike throughout a state forest to reach checkpoints carrying all equipment and food in their hike packs.
“Jack is a fantastic young leader and role model to our younger youth,” Ms Bartlett said.
“He is always keen to lend a hand and give things a go.
“He has volunteered his time to help facilitate the Joeys section — our younger youth look up to him and want to have as many badges as him!”
The 1st Kyabram Scouts introduced their first ever Joeys section for new Scouts aged five to eight, along with pre-existing sections of Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. The Scouts group is for children aged five to 18.
The program is designed for all ages and abilities, with involvement in camping, outdoor activities and making lifelong friendships.
Ms Bartlett said the group had been fundraising for eight months to attend the Victorian Jamboree (Vicjam), an 11-day camp filled with activities held every three years.
“We’re just really proud of them for all the work they’ve put in. A Jamboree is a life-changing event and for most scouts, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.
Having only been a Scout Leader since March 2021, Ms Bartlett said the experience had been an opportunity to not only be a part of the community, but to support the youth during their key developmental years.
“The main aim of Scouting is to provide an adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive program to youth everywhere, which teaches life skills and leadership,” Ms Bartlett said.
“Over the last few years, we lost a number of members due to COVID. Our inability to attend camps meant that our youth did not have the opportunities to explore in the way that we were accustomed to.
“We’re currently in the process of rebuilding our community and members and have had significant growth in the last few months of 2021. We always welcome new members, and are desperate for leaders for Joeys and Venturers to join us!”
For more information on the Scouting group, visit 1st Kyabram Scouts Facebook page, or email kyabramscouts@gmail.com
