By JESSE GRAHAM
FIRST Healesville Scout Group rewarded its top performers and set its eyes to the future at the Annual Recognition and Awards Presentation (ARAP) night.
The event, which was held at the scout hall on Friday 23 August, celebrated the work of the scout group’s committee over the past year and some of the improvements members had seen.
The night came to a head when the Scout of the Year and Committee Awards were presented to Rory Ferguson and Abbey Dolan.
Scout Leader Helen Quinn said that the Scout of the Year award is usually decided through a Brownlow Medal-type process, of scoring scouts at each of the meetings they attend, but changed this year due to time constraints.
“We’ve done it more on gut feel,” she said.
She said that Rory, who attended the most recent Jamboree with the group, was a “real leader of the future” and congratulated him on receiving the award.
Abbey was unable to attend the meeting and will be given her award at a later date.
Ms Quinn spoke at the evening about some of the renovations that had occurred at the hall, including the refurbished ladies’ toilet, which now includes shower facilities.
Ms Quinn said she was happy to see the renovations completed and that the group were looking at upgrading the kitchen at the hall next.
Yarra Ranges District Commissioner Louise Lang congratulated the Healesville group on its progress.
“I’d really like to keep encouraging you to keep doing the great stuff you’re doing,” she said.
“I do scouting because I see good stuff happening in scouting – it’s a bit of fun and it’s really important for adults to be involved with kids in a growing environment.
“It’s where kids become good potential adults of the future.”
Numerous certificates and gifts of appreciation were announced on the evening for those who helped to support or sponsor the group over the last year.
First Healesville Scout Group is seeking more leaders to come on board.
For more information, call Helen Quinn on 0413 089 290.
