AN inspirational young woman from Launceston has risen to the challenge to achieve the highest award in Girlguiding.
Emily Creber, 24, was presented with her Queen’s Guide Award at the House of Commons on Saturday, September 24 by Chief Guide Valerie Le Vaillant, Girlguiding’s most senior volunteer.
To achieve the prestigious award Emily took on a series of personal challenges in areas such as social action, voluntary work and travel. Fewer than 150 Girlguiding members are presented with the award each year and all their challenges have to be completed before they turn 26.
Emily said: “The toughest challenge was organising events and camps. I had never really done this before on my own. I learned how to organise, make decisions and delegate tasks. I now understand how much goes into just one weekend away.”
Another of Emily’s challenges was running the Plymouth half marathon, which she completed in a personal best time and raised £500 for Children’s Hospice South West.
Emily added: “Completing the Queen’s Guide Award has helped with my confidence as a leader, in particular with the Senior Section because I didn’t feel like a leader I just felt part of the group. Now I feel like a leader to them because I have taken them away. I hope to encourage them to complete the award one day.”
Girlguiding’s Chief Guide Valerie Le Vaillant said: “It was an honour to present this inspirational group of Queen’s Guides with their awards. To achieve the Queen’s Guide Award these young women have undergone personal challenges and participated in community services; outdoors expedition skills development; community action and residential adventures. They have taken positive action, both in their communities and further afield, and are a shining example for all that can be achieved through dedication and hard work. They should all be extremely proud of their achievements.”
For more information about how to get involved with Girlguiding, visit www.girlguiding.org.uk