Young Leaders with all sections at 113th Glasgow (Burnside) Scouts were among those honoured at the group’s annual general meeting
The future of Burnside’s busy Scout group is in safe hands with several of its Young Leaders receiving awards and qualifications at the group’s recent AGM.
Nine members of 113th Glasgow’s Explorer section who also take on leadership roles with Scouting’s three younger age groups were recognised for completing leadership training courses and challenges, with three being presented with their prestigious Young Leader belt and another six now having completed their first “mission” on the way to the award.
The group also held an investiture ceremony for an impressive nine new members of its youngest Squirrels section; as well as reviewing their achievements throughout the past year at the busy meeting attended by numerous parents, volunteers and young members.
Young Leader belt buckles and certificates were presented at the AGM to Brendan Small and Murray Belcher, who are both part of the team at 113th Cubs; and to Matthew Rafferty, who helps to run the Wednesday Beaver unit.
It was a family affair for Brendan and Murray, who volunteer at Cubs alongside their mums Anne and Holly, with their proud parents on hand to celebrate their impressive achievements at the AGM celebration.
Meanwhile, six more members received their first mission badge – Finlay Hamilton and Ethan McKinnon, who help with Cubs; Sarah Whiteside and Nina Belcher of the Thursday unit team at Beavers; and Daniel Clark and Rowan Murphy who help with youngest section Squirrels.
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All of the Young Leaders are also members of the Explorer Scout section for 14-18-year-olds, who meet on Friday evenings as well as helping to run the weekly meetings for younger members.
Group Scout leader Graeme Hamilton, who presented the awards, said: “To have nine enthusiastic and caring young people help every week with our section programmes and commit to this award is fantastic.
“They are our potential adult volunteer leaders of tomorrow, and each and every one of them is in tune with the needs of the young people in the section they help with, as well as coming together on a Friday evening for their own fun programme.”
Volunteers at 113th Glasgow have also welcomed lots of new members to their popular and growing Squirrel drey, for youngsters aged four and five.
New members Dylan McQueen, Luca Chan, Finlay Scott, Emily Harte, Dot Brady, Luca Marletta, Leonardo Roy, and Zac and Lola Pullen were all invested at a special ceremony where they made their Scouting promise and received their group neckerchief and badges.
The busy group meets across two different sessions on Friday evenings to accommodate as many members as possible, with additional potential recruits being placed on a waiting list until the group secures and trains new adult volunteers.
Squirrel leader Michelle MacKenzie said: “It’s unusual to invest such a large number in one go, but there is such demand just now for our Squirrels – our success is being shouted across Burnside and far beyond. They love getting badges and this is just the start of their red jumpers filling up with records of their achievements.”
Group chair Adrian Hilton led the 113th AGM at their Crawfurd Road hall, where new and continuing trustees were elected and families thanked for their support throughout the year, including at social events and fundraisers such as the group’s ceilidh and annual plant sale.
He thanked the volunteer leaders for supporting more than 150 young people to take part in Scouting with the Burnside units each week; and noted achievements including the group being highly commended in its King’s Award for Voluntary Service nomination, participating in Doors Open Day and planning special activities for next year’s Rutherglen 900 celebrations.
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