by Charlotte Maxwell, Scouter, 1st North Grenville Scouts
November 18 was an important day for Scouting in North Grenville. Bryson Froese LeBlanc, a long-standing member of Scouting in North Grenville, was awarded his Chief Scout Award by Scouts Canada and the 1st North Grenville Scout Troop.The Chief Scout Award is the top award any youth member in Scouting can earn in the Scout Troop age bracket (11-14), and is only rarely given out. To earn this, Bryson had to complete extensive badgework in outdoor skills, 30 hours of community service, and a significant environmental project on his own. Bryson designed, built, and installed a large number of birdhouses around his area.
The award was presented around a campfire, attended by most of the leaders from North Grenville, along with his parents and sister. Bryson’s grandfather, who recently passed away, was very active in the Scouting movement, and Bryson’s mother, Jeanette (who is also a leader with 1st North Grenville), presented him with his grandfather’s Stetson hat. (All Scouts used to have one as part of their uniform.)
The Chief Scout Award was started in 1973 by then Governor General Roland Mitchener to replace the former Queen’s Scout award. Few Scouts achieve this level within the movement. It is usually an indication of someone who has great potential. In fact, past Chief Scout recipients in Canada include a Nobel Prize winner, four members of Parliament, and one Premier, along with many leaders in industry, technology, and charity work.
From all the leaders of 1st North Grenville, congratulations to Bryson. Well done.
