On 24 April, Catherine Irwin, one of HiDef’s Project Managers, attended the St George’s Day Parade of Queen Scouts at Windsor Castle after gaining the Queen’s Scout Award, the highest award in Scouting.
The Queen’s Scout Award mirrors the requirements of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, but also includes attending at least 18 nights away on camps and expeditions, both as a participant and staff member and by participating in an international event (Catherine attended the 14th World Scout Moot in Canada). Other requirements were to complete the faith partnership award through visiting different religious centres, being part of Chinese New Year celebrations and understanding and integrating with different cultures.
The St George’s Day Parade of Queen Scouts dates back almost 80 years and recognises outstanding achievements within Scouting. On the day of the parade, Catherine first had to attend rehearsals at Victoria Barracks before the National Scout Parade and the review began in the afternoon. All of the Queen Scouts present then march into the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for the review, conducted by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. After the service, the Chief Scout Bear Grylls, addressed all award holders.
Catherine said:
“To celebrate the achievement with 600 other scouts, including my brother, was incredible. We all worked so hard to get there and to parade in front of family and friends was amazing and emotional. It was even more special that my Grandad (a King’s Scout in 1943) could watch me parade. I learnt from this day to continue to challenge myself through life as the journey and milestones do not end here.”
Everyone at HiDef would like to thoroughly congratulate Catherine on another fantastic achievement!
