1st Oman Scout Group

Scouts : Scouts get top award

Posted by Skip on 2009/4/19 20:50:00 (1203 reads)

British Ambassador to the Sultanate Dr Noel Guckian presented Chief Scout's Gold Award to seven Scouts of the British Groups Abroad Scout Group, based at the British School Muscat on Monday 30th March.

Seven Scouts receive Gold Award from the British Ambassador

The Chief Scout's Gold Award is the top award available in the Scout section. This is the first time that the award has been given to so many Scouts in this British Scout Group and it is highly unusual to see so many achievers in one go. The awards were presented at a function organised at the British Ambassador's residence near Marina Bander Rowhda, Muscat.

The award is achieved after completing nine difficult challenges, each of which are designed to push the individual to their limits, encourage independence and to develop strong leadership skills. The categories under which the awards are given are: Promise Challenge, Community Challenge, Fitness Challenge, Creative Challenge, Global Challenge, Outdoor Challenge, and any two of the following: Outdoor Plus Challenge, Adventure Challenge and Expedition Challenge.

Commenting on the event, Scout Leader Nathan Prince said, "Each of these challenges requires personal motivation, stamina and enthusiasm. The leaders give direction, but the Scouts have to put in the hard work themselves. It has taken a huge amount of hard work and dedication on the part of each recipient to achieve this top award. It has given me great pleasure to see them grow in character and ability over the last few years and they should be justly proud of their many achievements."

After the award presentation, eight Scouts who have reached 14 years of age, moved up to Explorer Scouts in a moving-up ceremony in which they renewed their Scout promise. The Explorer Scout section is the next section after the Scout section designed for 14 to 18 years olds. "This section will build upon their previous experiences and training in the Scouts and will continue to push these young people to achieve the best they can be," said Nathan.