A GIRLGUIDING leader has earned the movement's highest accolade, the Queen's Guide Award.
Leader with the 3rd Redhill Brownies, 19-year-old Karen McDonough has spent three years working towards the award – a feat achieved by only a handful of the half a million Girl Guides annually.
To achieve the award, participants must overcome a series of demanding tasks including embarking on an ambitious four-day outdoor adventure, overseeing a pair of community action projects and devoting a year to cultivating a new skill.
Karen, of Nutfield, said: "Through my Queen's Guide Award, I realised just how much I enjoyed being a part of Guiding and it opened up so many opportunities for me.
"It's also helping me realise my goal of training as a teacher because it gives me experience of working with children in a leading and supportive role."
Karen received her award from Baroness Alicia Kennedy and Chief Guide Gill Slocombe – a former recipient herself – at a special ceremony in the House of Lords on March 11.
Mrs Slocombe said: "The award shows young women that they can take on any challenge the world throws at them."
Baroness Kennedy added: "The Queen's Guide Award is no easy feat and these young women should be extremely proud."
