Local Venturer Scout, Amy Conley, 14, was awarded the Bronze Cross for Gallantry on Dec. 2 by Shawn Jones, Wellington area commissioner for Scouts Canada.
In September, Conley provided life saving assistance to a young boy and his mother who were being overwhelmed by waves while swimming at Station Beach in Kincardine.
The Gallantry award was granted to Conley by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Patron Scout of Canada, for her quick response and actions.
In bestowing the honour, Conley was commended for her heroic efforts and bravery.
The citation for the award stated:
“Amy was familiar with the area and used the necessary life-saving skills which included knowing her own abilities and what she, herself, might encounter. After a quick assessment of the situation, her training kicked in and she was able to help those two individuals who were obviously in distress. Well done, Amy.”
Jones, in presenting the award to Conley remarked how Scouting’s Founder Lord Baden-Powell wanted young people to be prepared to help others, and commended the Venturer Scout for demonstrating the very essence of the motto “be prepared” by helping that day on the beach.
Conley’s family and Scouting officials say they are very proud of the girl’s willingness to provide assistance without reservation.
Venturer Scouts is a program for youth ages 14 to 17 years that offers real life, hands-on experiences that nurture an active, healthy lifestyle, help them acquire knowledge and skills for career development and allows them to participate in outdoor adventures. More than 75,000 youths in Canada belong to Scouts.
