TEESDALE Scout Ethan Rawlins enjoyed a golden day when he was rewarded for years of dedication.
Ethan, a member of Teesdale Scout Network, was presented with his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Staindrop Scout HQ.
He received his gold badge from Stephen Ramsay, assistant county commissioner for activities.
Ethan then gave a presentation to an invited audience from around the county and district about what he had done during the last five years to complete his Queen’s Scout Award.
This was then signed off by David Holmes, assistant county commissioner for the Scout Network.
The Duke of Edinburgh scheme formed part of Ethan’s Queen’s Scout Award and together they represent the pinnacle of what young people can achieve within Scouting under the age of 25.
Ethan has been a member of the Scout Association since he was six. He was a member of Barnard Castle Scouts and then joined the Staindrop Explorer Scout Unit to work through his Duke of Edinburgh scheme and Queen’s Scout Award.
He has worked towards his Queen’s Scout Award since he was 16 and has completed numerous activities and challenges.
He has worked tirelessly as a young leader with Barnard Castle Beavers, completing the young leader training scheme.
Other activities have included being part of the tennis club in Barnard Castle and performing as part of a music group and choir.
Ethan has also become an active member of The National Scout and Guide Concert Band. This gained him the residential section for the awards as he attended a week-long training course culminating in public performances in the Bramall Hall, Birmingham.
He has also travelled to France to take part in a space project as part of his international section.
He has completed two challenging expeditions in arduous terrain and conditions. Ethan had to wait nearly two years to complete his assessed expedition due to the Covid pandemic restrictions that hit just as he was about to complete his award in April 2020.
Ethan did not let the interruption phase him and he was finally able to complete his expedition in the Yorkshire Dales in October 2021, working closely with Durham Scout District Explorers and Network.
District Explorer Scout commissioner Andy Carr said: “Ethan has given this award his all, it has been a pleasure to mentor him through the process.
“He has taken everything in his stride, it was great to see him work within the concert band in Birmingham and nice to see he has been invited back this year after the two-year Covid break.
“I look forward to seeing him perform again in this year’s concert.”
Mr Carr added: “To see the look on his face when he passed his assessed expedition in October last year was priceless and thanks to working closely with Durham City his goals where achieved.
“It has been an honour to mentor Ethan throughout this and he thoroughly deserves these Awards.”
Ethan is currently in his second year at Durham University studying natural sciences (chemistry and physics).
While studying in Durham, Ethan has joined and become a keen and active member of Durham University Scout and Guide group.
He will receive an invite to attend Buckingham Palace to formally receive his gold Duke of Edinburgh certificate and was also invited to attend the St George’s Day Parade, in Windsor Castle, for his Queen’s Scout Award.
