by Nyree Johnson
It’s quite an inspiring moment when a child as young as seven achieves a significant award.
On Tuesday, 25 October, Grace Dunbar of the Mount Archer Scout Group was awarded her Joey Scout Promise Award, the peak award for the 5 to 7 year age group.
With a special badge to wear now for her entire Scout journey and a signed letter from the Joey Scout Branch Commissioner for Scouts Queensland, Nick Warwick, Grace’s achievements were celebrated by her peers, family and Leaders with a salute and a BRAVO.
Joined by current Mount Archer Joey Scout Leaders Jack Roberts and Lulu Voss, as well as former Mount Archer Joey Scout Leader Nyree Johnson.
The Joey Scout Promise Award comprises important deliverables, including achieving stage one competencies for the core Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS) of Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping.
The Milestones of a Joey Scout journey are also crucial and are achieved simply by attending Scouts consistently, helping others, assisting peers and Leaders, and leading activities.
Another component is working towards individual or group interests to create, present and reflect on six Special Interest Areas (SIA).
All with an effort of two hours each and ranging in topics from STEM and Innovation, Adventure & Sport, Art and Literature, Creating a Better World, Environment and Growth & Development.
The final component of a peak award is to take Joey Scout peers on an adventurous journey that has been planned, risk assessed, executed and reviewed.
A three-hour activity followed by an overall review of a Joey Scouts time in the section.
It’s no easy task, but with peer, Leader and family support, Grace has achieved this recognition of her effort and has demonstrated her way of being respectful, doing what is right, helping other people and doing her best.