A Chilliwack teen was among 70 B.C. Scouts who were awarded top honours for their achievements over the weekend.
Andrew John Waring, a Venturer Scout in Chilliwack, was awarded with the prestigious Queen’s Venturer Award. The award presentation was part of a larger ceremony at the Government House in Victoria.
The 62nd annual awards were bestowed by the Governor General of Canada, who serves as Scouts Canada’s Patron Scout, to recognize the outstanding achievements among Venturer Scouts (ages 14-17). The Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Provincial Patron of Scouts Canada, presented the 70 awards.
It’s no small feat to earn this award. To receive it, a Scout must first hold the Venturer Award or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge, hold a current St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross Society Standard level First Aid Certificate, and hold the World Conservation Award.
To be considered, the Venturer must also be currently certified in a service skill, complete a minimum of 50 hours unpaid community service, and act as an activity leader or Scouter-in-training at no less than eight meetings or activities.
They must also have demonstrated leadership in a peer environment by being actively involved for a period of time with a decision-making body.
They must also demonstrate your commitment to the Venturer Promise through their church or by studying world religions, or demonstrate continued spirituality.
The ceremony was celebrated as a Canada 150 event, hosted by the Government House of British Columbia in partnership with Scouts Canada.
Other award recipients came from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Delta, Kamloops, Kelowna, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, Terrace, Vancouver and North Vancouver, and Victoria.