Langford teenager Kate Adams was the only person on Vancvouer Island this year who earned the Queen’s Venturer Award.
As one of 40 from across B.C. and the Yukon honoured with the award, Adams was presented with the coveted gold and royal purple badge at Government House by Lt.-Gov. Steven Point on April 2.
It took Adams about three years to fulfill all of the qualifications to earn this award.
A handful of the criteria include earning six challenge badges, completing environmental projects and community service.
“I didn’t start out thinking this is what I was going to do,” Adams said. “I had already completed some of the stuff, and then decided I’d go for it.”
While being rewarded with this award was an honour, Adams, 18, said the memories and experiences she had along the way is the true reward.
Since the age of five, Adams has been in scouting. She started out as a beaver and worked her way through cubs, scouts and now venturers.
“Scouting has definitely given me a lot of opportunities,” Adams said.
Through scouting she has travelled to Brazil, England, Scotland and France.
After spending most of her life in the program, Adams is now giving back to the organization by being a cub leader. This is her second year.
“It’s fun, it’s valuable and I learn leadership skills,” Adams said. “Being a cub leader is just a natural progression (in the organization).”
This year Adams is readying herself to graduate from Esquimalt high school. After graduation she is still not sure what she wants to do, but she is interested in pursuing a career in adventure tourism.
“I love the outdoors and helping others,” Adams said.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com