Scouting peers praise local leader with standout Silver Wattle award

Group leader of 1st Myrtleford Scout Group, Bernadette Hays, has been awarded a Silver Wattle from Scouts Australia, after almost 13 years of outstanding service to her local Scouting community. The Silver Wattle is awarded to adult Scout members in an active leadership role, who have provided outstanding service for 10 to 12 years, at a consistently high standard, over a number of assignments, all of which have provided positive outcomes for Scouting. Ms Hays said over all her years of Scouting, it has been privilege to volunteer with young people and families throughout Myrtleford and the surrounding districts. “Scouting has been a big part of my life," she said. "I have been fortunate to work alongside many dedicated leaders, volunteers, youth members and families who all share the same goal: to provide young people with opportunities to grow, learn and challenge themselves. "For almost 13 years, I've seen Scouting change lives. "I've watched nervous Joeys become confident Cubs, Cubs grow into capable Scouts, and Venturers discover strengths they never knew they had. "Seeing that growth has always been the reason I keep coming back." Ms Hays said there have certainly been moments when the road has been tough, but she has always believed every young person deserves the opportunity to experience Scouting, no matter where they live. "Regional Scouting has its challenges," she said. "Recruiting leaders isn't easy, competing with busy sporting schedules can be difficult and sometimes keeping a Scout group going takes determination, creativity and a lot of persistence. "Some of my proudest achievements haven't been the camps or events we've run, but simply seeing Scouting continue in our community. "Whether it's meant bringing groups together, supporting neighbouring towns, mentoring new leaders, or finding new ways to promote Scouting: it's always been about ensuring local young people have a place where they belong, can challenge themselves and make lifelong friendships.” For more information about 1st Myrtleford Scout Group, visit: https://scoutsvictoria.com.au/location/1ST-MYRTLEFORD/

Scouting peers praise local leader with standout Silver Wattle award

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