AVA Magazine July 21

16 AVA | July 2021
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in food donations to local foodbanks as part
of #FillOurFoodbanks in December and we are
now #TidyingTheTrash as part of our commitment
to the local environment. One of our volunteers
even fundraised for our amazing NHS - Sandy
Kirkwood dedicated some of the profits of sales
from his own online scout shop, raising £5000 for
NHS Charities Together and £5000 for the National
Emergencies Trust.
NEScouts went international during the lockdowns.
Hanna (7) from Forres Scout Group held a zoom
call with Turkish Scouts for her International &
Personal Challenge badges. They spoke about
the similarities in the promise, the scout sign and
what activities they had been doing with Scouts
before the lockdown started. Rothienorman Scout
Group even had a zoom visit from an Australian
Scout Group and spoke about how each country
was the same and in what ways they are different.
Thomas (9) from Rothienorman Scout Group said,
“I have really liked having Scout meetings online
during lockdown as we have lots of fun activities
like baking, quizzes, crafts and staying in touch
with my friends. Thank you, Paul and Maureen.”
Lockdown did not stop us celebrating the
achievements of some all-inspiring young people.
Cameron Barnes from 1st Insch Scout Group was
first up in his household on the 19th of April 2020
at the height of lockdown when he discovered
a fire in his kitchen. He remained calm, woke up
his family and got them outside and thankfully
the damage was contained. Because of his
cool-headedness and following his training
from Scouts, NEScouts honoured Cameron with
Scout Gallantry Cross in December and he even
received the Chief Fire Officers Commendation
from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - both
two of the highest awards available in both
organisations.
Theo Harvey, a 13 year old Scout from 1st Alford
Scout Group was honoured with a Cornwell Scout
Badge in December. Theo underwent surgery to
remove a brain tumour but, unfortunately, he
completely lost his sight during the operation.
Despite his ongoing challenges, he kept on going
with Scouts, taking part with the same infectious
enthusiasm. He went above and beyond to raise
over £7500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind through
self-organised craft fayres and sponsored cycling,
with support of his parents.
Nine of our volunteers across Aberdeenshire,
Moray and Aberdeen City were honoured
with top awards for outstanding service to the
organisation. Chris Pinnell received the Silver
Acorn with Paul Gray, David Haytack, William
Farquhar, Helen Gallagher, Ryan McGregor,
Jeremy Morse, Eoin Smith and Joyce Webster
receiving their Awards for Merit.
Now as restrictions begin to ease, we are returning
to what we do best in person - but still following
updated guidance.
Enrol your child or join as an adult volunteer by
visiting nescouts.scot and filling out an application
form. We cannot wait to welcome new and old
faces back, it may still just be a little different to
what we were used to!