A LAKE Boga Sea Scout has earned the prestigious Australian Scout Award, the highest accolade achievable in the scouting section.
Ryan Smith was presented with the award at a ceremony on February 19 for his commitment to the values of scouting, leadership skills and his passion for community service.
Having already earned the Grey Wolf Award, the highest honour in the cub section, Ryan has now added another significant milestone to his scouting career.
Over the past four years he has demonstrated exceptional dedication by participating in community events, leadership programs, and outdoor adventures.
Since the age of eight, he has been an active participant in local events, including ANZAC Day and Australia Day ceremonies, where he has laid wreaths, raised flags, and assisted with community barbecues.
In 2022 and 2023, he helped serve 800 free sausages at Swan Hill’s Carols by Candlelight event and he has been a key figure in numerous Bunnings barbecues and raffles, raising vital funds for his scouting group.
He completed a first aid certificate, including CPR training, and has honed his leadership skills through dedicated courses and hands-on experience as a patrol leader during major scouting events like VicJam and AJ25.
According to 1st lake Boga Sea Scout’s leader in charge, Sally Bethune, Ryan’s leadership abilities have shone through in competitive and collaborative settings.
“He has competed in two scout hikes, improving his patrol’s results each year, and has represented Lake Boga at the Youth Leadership Summit at LaTrobe University in Bendigo,” she said.
“As a member of the Victorian Scout STEM Council for two years, Ryan contributed to innovative STEM projects.
“His adventurous spirit is equally noteworthy having logged over 50 nights under canvas and he has hiked, paddled, and cycled more than 100km.
“He has tackled activities ranging from cliff scaling to mud runs and his proficiency in bushcraft, bushwalking, and camping has earned him Level 5 certifications in these core scouting activities.
“He also demonstrates expertise in boating, aquatics, and cycling.”
Ryan also joined the SES Swan Hill Unit for two weeks to earn his SES badge, learning essential emergency response skills. He is also Safe Participant Certified for canoeing.
To earn the Australian Scout Award, Ryan completed six special interest areas (SIAs).
These included organising a STEM day featuring VR and wind power demonstrations, welding gardening tools and wine racks, achieving his Silver Dolphin Award by swimming 16km in six months and earning his Junior Shooter’s License.
Additionally, Ryan has embraced the arts, playing the guitar for two years and taking part in school productions such as Legally Blonde and We Will Rock You as well as a main role in St Mary McKillop College’s upcoming production T-Bird.
Ryan’s parents and scouting leaders expressed immense pride in his accomplishments.
Scout leader and proud father Mark Smith said Ryan’s journey is a shining example of what it means to live the scouting values.
“He has demonstrated leadership, service and personal growth and the scouting community is very proud of his achievements,” Mr Smith said.
“The Australian Scout Award is a testament to Ryan’s hard work, resilience, and adventurous spirit.
“His dedication to scouting and his community serves as an inspiration to young scouts across the region.
“His journey is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.”
As Ryan is 15 years of age, he now makes the transition from scout to Venturers where his journey will continue.
At Lake Boga, cubs meet each Tuesday between 6-7.30pm, scouts Wednesday between 6-8pm and Venturers on Thursdays between 7-8.30pm.
If you are considering cubs, scouts or venturers for your child and would like more information, email1stlakebogascouts@gmail.com.
