The Scout Association has a number of awards that it presents to Leaders and adult helpers for long service, good service and gallantry.
The only awards given automatically are those given for long service. So, for example, I have my Chief Scout’s 15 Years Service Award, which was presented to me in 2007. My Group’s Cub and Scout Leaders both have the Award for Merit and the Chief Scout’s 20 Years Service Award. The Cub Leader is getting the Chief Scout’s 25 Years Service Award at our AGM later this month, though she doesn’t know it yet!
The good service awards have to be nominated and a case put forward as to why the recipient is worthy of receiving it. I often wish I was in a position to do so when my Mum & Dad retired from Scouting as they got no official recognition after over 25 & 30 years service each, although we did make a big thing of it at Group level.
Now the point of all this is that I got an email from my District Commissioner last night saying ‘Congratulations on your award’. My reply went along the lines of ‘thanks Steve, but what award????’
Well, the reply came back. But here I must point out that I don’t want to get big headed, but it seems that I’ve been awarded the Award for Merit!
This is given for –
outstanding service of not less than 15 years. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period.
So I’m quite chuffed to be honest!
It’s nice to think that someone (I’m guessing it’s the DC) has taken the time to nominate me for this.
Congrats! You deserve it well, if only to keep this blog going and being an exellent representative for scouting!