Yass teen Daniel Young has been honoured with a Queen's Scout Award, the highest merit in the youth movement.
"The reason I have stayed with the Scouts for all this time is that I enjoy it, find it fun and ultimately rewarding," the 18-year-old said.
"For me, the award means the culmination of all the hard work I've done up until this point.
"The Scout leaders, as well as my family, have helped me become the person I am today."
Daniel moved to Yass from Canberra in 2013 and said it wasn't an easy experience for him at the time.
"When we first moved to Yass, it was a traumatic time for me, as I had had my entire life uprooted," Daniel said.
"All of the small friendship groups I'd had in Canberra, and especially at school, had completely disappeared."
He joined the Scouts that year, on his mother's recommendation.
"She saw that as an opportunity for me to make some friends," Daniel said.
He has been with the 1st Yass Scouts ever since.
Daniel was presented with the award at the 1st Yass Scout Hall on the afternoon of Saturday, February 22.
The ceremony coincided with Founder's Day, which is the birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, who founded what is now the international scouting movement; and the birthday of his wife, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, who founded the Girl Guides.
1st Yass Scouts group leader Jenny Thompson called Daniel a hard worker.
"Daniel has worked extremely hard for eight years to achieve the prestigious Queen's Scout Award, building skills in leadership, teamwork and community service as he undertook all his badge work," Ms Thompson said.
"Daniel's commitment to Scouts continues as he passes on his scouting knowledge acquired whilst undertaking his Queen's Scout Award to our youngest Joey members as a volunteer leader."
The highest merit that can be achieved in the Venturer section, the Queen's Scout Award aims to widen the interests and knowledge of its recipients.
To achieve the award, a Venturer Scout must be able to set a goal, plan progress towards it organise their self and others and maintain determination to overcome difficulties and complete the task. They must also have achieved the Venturing Skills Award in adventurous activities, community Involvement, leadership development and personal growth.
