Group achieves gold standard

Written by Peter Mee

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

At the recent county leaders conference, group leader Jimmy Cunningham accepted a gold SQS award for the 2005 scouting year on behalf of the group from county comissioner, Eoin O'Mathuna. Then, at the Provincial Leaders Conference in Navan on Feburary 25th, the group was presented with its 2006 certificate: a Standard of Excellence award. The Standard of Excellence is achieved over the space of 3 consecutive years of quality Scouting in which a group has  been awarded the Quality Standard or Gold Standard award. SQS, or Supporting Quality Scouting, is a Self - Assessment tool allowing a Group determine how its delivery of Scouting to young people fulfills the Associations Aim, Commitment and use of the Scout Method. Self - Assessment is completed at the end of each calendar year allowing the Group to determine their progress against the Associations Quality Standard and the Groups own Development Plan. The Group’s progress towards Quality Scouting is recognised by the awarding of an SQS Certificate by their County and Provinical Commissioners. The award system has recentluy been revised from the old gold/silver/bronze system to awards including participation certificates, quality standard awards and standard of excellence awards. The new look system is based on a “Commitment to young people during the journey through Scouting”. This involves such aspects as ‘learning more about yourself’, ‘making friends and visiting places’ and ‘enjoying the out of doors’ among others. The consistent receipt of the top level award by 3rd Monaghan is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of all leaders as well as the group council, parents and frients comittee and all other help and support received.

 

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