As the 2022/23 session comes to a close, we’re delighted to share a number of our volunteers have been recognised in The Scout Association’s Roll of Honour. Additionally, we’d also like to express our gratitude for our volunteers who are standing down from their roles.
Volunteer awards
Award for Merit
The Award for Merit is awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period of at least 12 years.
Shaun (Explorers)
Shaun is the District Explorer Scout Commissioner and has been a key member of the 28th’s Explorers team for the last year. Prior to this, Shaun volunteered with an Explorer Unit in Aberdeen and attended the 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Japan as a member of the International Service Team.
Graham (Board of Trustees)
Graham has been a trustee at the 28th since 2009, and is well known across the group for his support as the Group’s Master of Works, leading the “bags and shoes” department at our annual Jumble Sale, and occasionally MC-ing race nights at the hall.
Hetty (Monday Beavers)
Hetty has been part of the Monday Beavers team since 2015, providing young people with the opportunity to take part in a high quality Beaver Scout programme each week. Most recently, Hetty organised a Beaver sleepover in the hall (the first night away from home for the majority of the Beavers!) and led the Beaver contingent to our Group Camp at Bonaly.
Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service
The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service is recognition from the Chief Scout (Bear Grylls) of the very real contribution made by volunteers over a period of at least 5 years.
Abbé (Scouts)
Abbé joined the 28th as Section Leader of the Scouts section in 2021 after 9 years of volunteering at Scouts at the 121st (Clarkston). Abbé was instrumental in ensuring a successful restart of face-to-face Scouting for the section.
Jane (Board of trustees)
Originally a member of our Wednesday Cubs team before volunteering as our Group Secretary, Jane has been a dedicated volunteer at the 28th, putting young people first for several years.
Sheila (Tuesday Cubs)
Sheila joined the Tuesday Cubs team in 2014, preparing many young people with skills for life and countless opportunities including nights away from home. Sheila has been the Section Leader of Tuesday Cubs since 2020.
Marie (Board of Trustees)
Marie has been an active Trustee at the 28th since 2014, regularly contributing to the behind-the-scenes work that makes Scouting in Giffnock possible. For a number of years Marie has also been compiling the termly newsletters sent out to parents with photos and updates from all our sections.
Derek (Scouts & Board of Trustees)
Derek has served in a number of roles since joining the 28th team in 2014, including leading Wednesday Cubs, the Scouts section, and on our Board of Trustees. Derek has also been a key figure in the organisation of the group’s fundraising activities and has recently been working with the Scouts to make a positive impact in the community by taking part in weekly litter picks in partnership with Orchardhill’s Giffnock Community Hub.
Wood Badge
The Wood Badge is awarded on completion of a volunteer’s adult training programme.
Iris (Monday Beavers)
Sheila (Tuesday Cubs)
Derek (Scouts)
Hetty (Monday Beavers)
Thank you!
In recent years, while many things around us have changed, the outstanding generosity of our volunteers has stayed the same.
Time and again, volunteers at the 28th go the extra mile, putting young people first, even in the toughest of times.
It’s not easy to keep a hyper-active hall full of Cubs busy and engaged in an activity, nor is it to keep up-to-date on the administration required for running a Scout Group of around 180 young people and 60 volunteers. But spinning many plates, and getting stuck in, is what it’s all about. And the volunteers below have truly gone above and beyond.
Iain joined the 28th at the start of 2021 as Group Scout Leader (our lead volunteer) after being a parent in the Group. It’s the job of the GSL to manage and support the Scout Group and its leaders to ensure it runs effectively. Taking over as face-to-face scouting started to resume was no easy task, and Iain didn’t shy away from offering hands on support to get the group back together, particularly in leading Friday Beavers in the absence of a Section Leader. Iain has also been responsible for the recruitment of new volunteers, correspondence with Eastwood District, and most recently the catering for around 150 hungry young people and volunteers at our Group Camp!
Andy started volunteering with the 28th in 2008 with the Explorers section, and after standing down as the Section Leader for Explorers last year, has continued to support the group as our Deputy Group Scout Leader and Training Advisor. Andy’s role at the 28th has primarily focussed on how we support leaders through The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme, ensuring volunteers have the tools and knowledge required to provide a high quality scouting programme to young people. Andy will be staying on in our Active Support Unit to support the group on a flexible basis.
Amanda joined the Friday Beavers team in 2019 as a parent, taking up the role of Section Leader a year later, and has spent the last couple of years volunteering with Wednesday Cubs. Organising circus skills for the Beavers, managing the section accounts, keeping track of badges, and running active games are just a few of the jobs that Amanda has taken on during her time volunteering, making all the difference to ensure young people receive a high quality experience of Scouting.
Stewart joined the Wednesday Cubs team in 2017 after graduating though the sections of the 28th himself. In the last year, Stewart has also been helping to lead the Explorers. Stewart is well liked and respected by fellow volunteers and young people that he has supported over the years. He’s been a regular face at weekly Cub meetings and camps, throughout his time at University in Glasgow and into the start of his career. Stewart will be continuing to support our Explorers team on a flexible basis.
Thank you to Iain, Andy, Amanda, and Stewart for all you’ve done for the 28th, and for young people in Giffnock. We wish you all the best for the future, and look forward to catching up at a race night, a jumble sale, or round a campfire before too long.
