Kinloss leader becomes Moray’s first Queen’s Guide Award recipient in eight years
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A GUIDE and Brownie leader from Kinloss has become Moray’s first Queen’s Guide Award recipient in eight years.
Laura Smith, a leader with 1st Kinloss Guides and 2nd Kinloss Brownies, received the award at a ceremony attended by her Brownies, Guides, family and friends.
The award was presented to her by county commissioner Louise Winder, county president Vivien Welsh and Girlguiding Moray’s Queen’s Guide Adviser Elaine Penny
The Queen’s Guide Award is the highest award which can be worked for in Girlguiding. It gives leaders the chance to develop skills, give back to guiding and support the local community.
The award focuses on personal challenges and taking part in guiding. It comprises of five sections: personal development, a guiding challenge, community action, leading the way and social experience.
Already a leader with Kinloss Brownies and Guides, Laura took on the role of Young Leader Adviser for Girlguiding Moray County, encouraging Young Leaders to come together, share experiences and build relationships.
In completing her community action challenge, Laura researched Fibromyalgia Action UK and delivered a presentation to her unit on her findings. She also completed sponsored walks to raise funds for the charity.
Laura developed her leadership skills whilst completing a two-day walking expedition on the Dava Way with several of her friends. This was all the more remarkable as Laura later found that she was in the early stages of pregnancy.
Laura also attended a Girlguiding Scotland event in Dublin as part of the support team. Whilst there, she supported members at the Irish dancing station and across the city. Local leaders who attended the event reported that her enthusiasm was “infectious”.
In addition, over the course of the award, Laura learnt how to knit - this proved quite a challenge for her as she is left-handed, but after finding the correct teacher she was on her way.
County commissioner Louise Winder said: “Laura is an exceptional individual and leader who has not only challenged herself to complete the Queen’s Guide Award but who has inspired several leaders within Girlguiding Moray County to begin their Queen’s Guide Award journey.”
