AFTER leading a group of strong willed teenagers on a 60 kilometre bush hike, a Greenbank Scout leader is on track to attain the highest youth accolade.
Stephanie Field, 17, worked tirelessly over three years to achieve the necessary scout badges to reach the coveted Queen’s Scout honour.
Greenbank Scout venturers Elissa Bailey (14), James Lowder (15), Jonathan Judge (17) and Benjamin Treliving (17) embarked on a four day camp hike in the Cooloola wilderness over the Easter long weekend.
Mr Lowder said the experience was an opportunity to apply their skills in a real life setting.
“We had to keep our equipment as small as possible but still have enough to survive the whole camp,” he said.
“We had to workout how far we will travel in a day and make sure it was not too long.
“We needed to make sure we had enough food food for the next day and do map planning to work out which trail to take.”
Ms Bailey said the group managed the 60km course with skill, but had to overcome a minor obstacle on the last day.
“On the last day our track ended so we had to bush bash down to the side of the mountain to get to our destination,” she said.
“Then we all got to the beach and ran into the ocean.”
Group leader Ms Field said the hike was a confidence building experience.
“I have done three and two day hikes but never a four day one,” she said.
“I felt comfortable with these guys, they are a good bunch of people. As a group we had more potential than I thought.
“I didn’t think I could do 60km in four days...I wouldn’t have done it without them being behind me letting me know I could do it with team work. We formed stronger friendships.”
Ms Field said she looked forward to achieving the “kahuna” of scouting when she officially receives the Queen’s Scout.
Greenbank is the largest scout group in Queensland with more than 200 youth members.
