Lauren meets award challenges

MIA BURNS – on work experience

Kiama Guides’ 13-year-old Lauren Hatton has achieved the prestigious Baden Powell Award after completing 18 months of demanding challenges.

The Baden Powell Award is the culmination of 18 challenges including abseiling, preparing a three-course meal from only outdoor activities and learning about Guiding worldwide.

“I am really honoured,” Lauren said.

“Not many people from Kiama have received the award lately.”

Lauren has been a guide for more than five years, two of which have been dedicated to completing the award’s challenges.

“I had to go abseiling down Mt Keira, study an inspirational woman, learn Morse and Semaphore code and a lot more,” she said.

“I learnt a lot of things. I learnt patience and I learnt to fight my fears.”

Kiama Guides leader Leonie Bishop said Lauren worked really hard.

“It is fantastic,” she said.

“Our Guide unit has been open since only 2005 and this is the first person to receive the award.

“Guides is a good opportunity for girls to work in a group and do a range of different activities for themselves and their community.”

Lauren received the award at a ceremony last week that was attended by family, friends, guides and Illawarra Guide Leaders.

Mallory Badham and Bridget Wall made their Guide Promise at the ceremony, initiating them into the Girl Guides Australia.