Congratulations to The Rhondda Explorer (TREx) Scouts Unit who received two awards at the recent High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan Youth Awards.
The group of 22 Explorers not only won first prize in the group category, but were also awarded the High Sheriff’s Cup as the overall winner of the annual awards, which recognise outstanding achievements of young people in the area.
The group were nominated for their dedication to volunteering as young leaders and their commitment to maintaining good mental health, with the outgoing High Sheriff, Professor Jean White, awarding the prizes at a prestigious ceremony last month.
Paul Harris, Explorer Scout Unit Leader, said: “There were lots of other winners who are doing some great work within Mid Glamorgan, so it was a genuine surprise and honour for our unit to be recognised for their good work.”
Of the 22 Explorers in the group, 16 of them are, or have been, young leaders, volunteering in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, helping to support their local groups in delivering Scouting activities for children aged 4 to 14.
With regards to being recognised for their commitment to maintaining good mental health, the group have built upon the methods promoted by ScoutsCymru during the online sessions in 2021, namely learning new skills, connecting with friends, being active, volunteering their time, and practicing mindfulness.
Paul added: “As a group we took the decision about 18 months ago during our November wellbeing month, to finish our meetings 15 minutes earlier so that we have a chance of getting home and getting to sleep a bit earlier. We also took the decision to keep our mobile phones in a safe box during our meetings in an effort to be more present.”
Numbers were limited at the official awards ceremony, meaning not all of the group could attend. However, Paul presented the awards to the young people at a recent unit meeting.
He said: “As a leader, I’m very aware of the demands and challenges that young people face. And when things get too much it’s terrible to see and hear about young people going through mental health struggles. This group have put some things in place which will hopefully be useful for them now and in the future and will ideally allow them to build some resilience for tough times.”
Eli Davies, one of the Explorers, said: “As a young leader there’s always a sense of community and an opportunity to learn new skills.”
Another Explorer, Zak Evans, said: “I enjoy learning new skills through helping the young people.”
Lauren Morris added: “By being a young leader you get to feel a part of something and help the young people.”
Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer, said: “Well done to the young people and leaders of The Rhondda Explorer (TREx) Scouts Unit for not only creating a unit where mental wellbeing is a priority, and where they are developing skills to help prepare them for adult life, but also for giving back to their community and the Scouting family with so many of their members volunteering. It’s fantastic to see TREx recognised by the High Sheriff with two awards – congratulations!”
