The largest ever group of Nelson scouts to receive major awards from the organisation were honoured this month as overall numbers continue to grow.
Regional zone leader Bridget Smith says 15 teenagers earned their chief scout award, one cub and a kea earned their highest award and two ventures, Shaun Honor and Ben Sutton, picked up the Queen Scout award.
She says the number of local scouts earning awards represents plenty of hard work and by the end of this year there will be another two ventures that would have earned their Queen Scout award – the highest award in the movement.
“They need to have a lot of dedication to get this far. It’s quite a big, fancy achievement and we’re looking at another 15 chief scouts for next year as well.”
Bridget says overall numbers have increased in Nelson by ten per cent and she fields call on a daily basis from people wanting to sign up.
“It’s such a good outdoor activity for kids and they’re achieving and doing really well,” she says.
