Ben joined the 1st Echuca Scouts as a Joey and has now reached the pinnacle of scouting for his age.
On Thursday, February 12, 1st Echuca Scouts held a special ceremony in his honour, officially presenting him with his ASA.
The evening featured a slideshow celebrating Ben’s years with Scouts, and a speech from Ben, before finishing the evening with sweet treats and hot drinks.
Scout leader James Holt said he was proud to witness Ben’s growth throughout his Scouting journey.
“For me, seeing how far Ben has come during his time with us makes me extremely proud,” he said.
“The ASA isn’t easy, and Ben has grown so much and developed so many skills since Joeys which have allowed him to succeed, but he has always shown enthusiasm, confidence and motivation.”
To earn the award, Ben demonstrated exemplary skills, leadership and personal development by completing a series of challenging milestones.
Among his achievements, he organised and led multiple activities, attended numerous camps, completed his first aid course, undertook a personal development course and attained high-level competencies in bushcraft, bushwalking and camping.
He also completed six special interest projects and planned and led an ‘Adventurous Journey’.
His ‘Adventurous Journey’ saw him venture to French Island with three of his fellow Scouts and two leaders for a three-day trip that he planned and co-ordinated himself.
The trip involved travelling by train to Stony Point, catching a ferry to the island, and bike riding more than 30km before camping overnight.
Mr Holt said he hoped Ben’s journey would act as motivation for other up-and-coming Scouts.
“I think for his fellow Scouts, they would feel inspired by his success and hopefully excited to make the same journey,” he said.
“It’s optional, but we support and encourage every Scout who wants to achieve their ASA.”
To help more Scouts like Ben achieve major milestones, Mr Holt said Echuca 1st Scouts was seeking more Scout Leaders.
“Being a leader is fun, extremely rewarding and a great excuse to go on adventures outdoors,” he said.
“As Ben has shown, Scouts is an amazing opportunity for youth to find community, make friends, gain valuable life skills and do things many other kids may never do, and we can’t give them these opportunities without leaders.
“It feels great to have a small part in developing young adults and leaders within the Echuca-Moama community.”
No prior experience is needed to become a Scout leader, and all necessary training is provided.
If you are interested in becoming a leader, email scouts.1stechuca@gmail.com
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