Local Venturer Scout, Andrew McClennan, used skills he gained in Scouting to earn his gold-level Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, recently presented to him by Prince Edward.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, open to youth aged 14 to 25, focuses on community service, skill development, physical fitness and adventurous journey.
McClennan, an active member of both the 26th Guelph Venturer Scout Company and the 121st Red Arrow Air Cadet Squadron (as an air cadet) met the gold-level requirements through:
– gliding (he hopes to one day be a pilot)
– five-day white-water canoe trip near Bancroft
– working with his fellow Venturers to provide more than 300 meals—from scratch—for an area Scout winter camp
– countless weekends camping and hiking with Venturer Scouts
During the presentation at Queen’s Park, Prince Edward praised the recipients for their “fantastic” efforts, noting they should now “walk a little taller” because of their accomplishments.
McClennan is also featured in the current DOE campaign “Make a Difference” which was officially launched at the ceremony.
For more information on the award or the campaign, visit www.dukeofed.org.
