Community & Business
9 December, 2025
Pride in the pack: Scouts receive prestigious awards
On Friday evening, 28th November, two Pittsworth Scouts and a Scout Leader were recognised for outstanding achievements which have been years in the making.
Dylan Binstead and Sofia Thornber, who are both 14 years old, have worked tirelessly over the past three years to receive their Peak Award - Australian Scout Award.
It is the highest badge to be earned in the Scout Section, involving the completion of milestones each year, by attending regular scout nights and participating in community, creative, outdoor and personal growth challenges/activities.
In order to receive this Peak Award, Dylan and Sofia completed six special interest badges, each being an eight hour project in a hobby or interest in their life.
The six interest areas included Adventure and Sport (Dylan represented his school in a shooting competition), Arts and Literature (Sofia performed in a piano concert), Creating a Better World, Environment (Sofia entered a Landcare Photography competition), Growth and Development or STEM and Innovation (Dylan attended a STEM conference through school).
The pair also had to progress in their Outdoor Adventure skills and reach Stage 5 in Bushcraft, Bush-walking and Camping as well as experiencing adventurous activities such as abseiling, cycling, paddling (canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking), swimming and boating.
However, the biggest challenge for Dylan and Sofia was organising and mapping out a three day two night hike in Girraween National Park with a group of seven youths.
They had to map the hike and also lead it with minimal adult supervision.
Taryn "Brumby" Binstead, Pittsworth Scout Leader, said the Scout Leadership course Dylan and Sofia attended helped them to grow and develop in a leadership role that will not only assist them in Scouts but in their daily life, at school, home and other activities they may do.
"Both have worked hard to achieve this prestigious award," Ms Binstead said.
The other award on the night was presented to Stacey "Wilga" Schultz.
She received her Wood Badge (made of two wooden beads) which are presented to a Scout Leader who has completed all the required training to be a leader, for which there are several stages involved.
"It is a high honour to achieve the Wood beads, and is a tradition that goes back to the start of the Scouting movement," Ms Binstead said.
"Stacey is the first leader in a long time to achieve the Wood beads and has inspired the current Cub, Scout and Venturer Leaders to follow in her footsteps!"
Dignitaries who attended the award night included Branch Commissioner - Scouts Rob Pitt, Branch Advisor - Program Support Kathy Pitt, Branch Commissioner for Training Nicola Coster, Region Commissioner Darling Downs Kerry Harrison, Assistant Region Commissioner - Administration Barry Keleher, Acting Beauaraba District Commissioner Carol Cann (Koala), Warwick Scout Leader Mick Dwan and DD Region Adult Supporters Greg and Laura Smythe.
Others in the Pittsworth Scout group who have received the Australian Scout Award across the years are Thomas Saal (2005), Harley Saal (2006), Matthew Robertson (2008), Stuart Huggins (2010), Daniel Wood (2010), Will Carnahan (2012), Owen Marsden (2016), Benjamin Cavanagh (2017), Lachie Crighton (2021) and Ava Schultz (2023).
