A MORE than 20-year drought has broken for the Rosebud Sea Scouts.
Bruce Male was presented with his Queen’s Scout award on Saturday 10 February, the first received by a member of the group since 1999.
The presentation made by DRRH Venturer unit leader Sam Blair was the first at the group since 1999.
Fewer than five per cent of Venturer scouts aged 15-18 earn the award which involves achieving milestones, completing an adventurous journey, providing community service and leading others to achieve.
Male’s achievements included such challenges as a seven-day 100-kilometre mountain hike, leading the only Victorian patrol to win the Scouts Invade Tasmania event, working behind the scenes at major Statescout events, mentoring younger scouts, helping restore the floor at Rosebud Sea Scouts’ hall and restoring its fleet of mirror dinghies.
The 18-year-old adds the Queen’s Scout award to his Meritorious Conduct medal, for rescuing a swimmer off Rosebud beach as well as the Australian Scout Medallion and Grey Wolf Award.
Ron Coleman, leader of the Rosebud group from 1960 to 1983, attended the presentation to Males along with his brother Laurie. The Coleman brothers parents parents, Charlie and Alma, were founding members of Rosebud Sea Scouts and key figures in the construction of the hall from 1949 to 1952.
District mentor and 1st Mornington leader Paul “Beaver” Bucknell, brought along an honour board showing that Bruce Male’s grandfather, Don Male, received a King’s Scout award in 1946.
A state Queen’s Scout ceremony is set for 2 March at Government House.
More about sea scouts at: scoutsvictoria.com.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 20 February 2024
