Two Venturer Scouts from the Blue Mountains have received the prestigious Queen's Scout Award.
Claire Dunning and Tessa Hitchins from First Blaxland Scout Group achieved the top scouting honour on April 27, with 38 others scouts from across NSW. Their awards were presented by the former Governor of NSW, David Hurley, at Government House in Sydney.
The award requires a scout to set goals, organise themselves and others, and overcome multiple challenges.
The 18 year olds completed 300 hours of activities over the past two years to achieve the award, including leading a challenging four-day hike between Kanangra and Katoomba.
"I learnt about leadership, how to take control of a situation ... and a lot of conflict resolution," Miss Dunning said.
Miss Hitchins said it was a useful learning experience in navigation and preparation for overnight hiking.
She's thoroughly enjoyed hiking with the scouts over the years.
"Every weekend you get to go away with all your scout friends. There's nothing better," Miss Hitchins said.
"I've been in scouts since I was five. It's an amazing experience and I've made such amazing friends along the way."
Miss Hitchins also completed her Bronze Medallion in swimming, and an open water dive course and researched the NDIS as part of the Queen's Scout Award.
Miss Dunning learned to play the ukulele and organised a series of activities for 60 scouts, including 10 with special needs, at a week-long camp.
It was an eye-opening experience in getting children to listen, a skill she'll be refining as she trains to become a maths teacher.
The State Commissioner for Venturer Scouts, David Jacobs, said the Queen's Scout Award was an incredible achievement that recognises a venturer's commitment to personal growth and development, as well as community service.
"Venturers who have taken up the challenge have worked hard to complete various activities, which are designed to test self-initiative, management and leadership skills. They should all be very proud of their achievements," Mr Jacobs said.
