TWO Okehampton scout leaders have been recognised for their outstanding work by winning the highest training award possible.
District commissioner for Mid Devon Scouts Tony Johnson visited the 1st Okehampton Scout Group to give scout leaders Gary and Claire Jones their Wood Badges, a significant achievement in leadership and direct service to the young people of the scout group.
The Wood Badge is a programme and award for adults who have gone through their full scout training to learn the skills and method of scouting.
Gary received his second Wood Badge following his ascension into the position of scout group manager, while Claire was recognised for her role as cub scout leader.
Recipients of the award are given two wooden beads to commemorate the achievement, in a nod to scout association founder Robert Baden-Powell.
On the morning of September 8 1919, 19 men assembled for the first Scoutmasters training camp at Gilwell Park.
At the end of the day, Baden-Powell gave each man a simple wooden bead from a necklace he found in a Zulu chieftain's deserted hut when on campaign in South Africa in 1888. Those who win the Wood Badge are given two wooden beads to keep this tradition alive.
District commissioner Tony Johnson said: 'Receiving this award takes a lot of dedication, and shows the hard work put in by scout leaders like Gary and Claire Jones.
'It is a real achievement, and because Gary and Claire received their awards in front of children and parents alike, it demonstrates their wonderful dedication to the development of young people through the scouts.'
The morning was doubly pleasurable for the group following the visit of town mayor Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, who dropped by to donate 'The Little Family', a set of three mannakins used for first aid and resuscitation training. The three dummies are different sizes, to teach youngsters different techniques fur use on adults and children.
Upon a request for funding from the scout group, the town council decided to donate the full amount needed to purchase the set.