INTREPID local Cub Scout Louise Benci has been awarded the Grey Wolf award—the highest award a Cub Scout can earn and considered the pinnacle of Scouting for Cubs.

Members of the 1st Myrtleford Scouts, along with Scout regional commissioner Darren Leckie, gathered at the Myrtleford Piazza last Thursday evening to award Louise the Grey Wolf, which is also known as a peak award.

In order to receive the Grey Wolf award a cub scout must have met a series of milestones, including planning and leading an adventurous journey of at least four hours duration, and meeting Stage 3 in all three core areas of bushcraft, bushwalking and camping.

Louise said she was excited to receive the prestigious award and enjoys being in the Cub Scouts.

“It's adventurous and we get to do all sorts of things,” she said.

It’s even more remarkable that she has received the award after only two years with the cubs.

To meet the required five nights of camping for the badge, the 11-year-old has camped at Mount Buffalo, Nug Nug, while another camping trip is planned in September for the ‘Cuboree’ in Gilwell Park at Gembrook.

Badges Louise has received recognise her efforts in raising money for Reach Out Wildlife Australia, learning about bushfires, making a scout uniform for a doll, making crystals and helping the Joey Scouts for a some weeks.

Cub unit leader Joanna McIntyre said Louise’s award was the first Grey Wolf awarded in the Myrtleford Scouts since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It's really exciting for the group,” she said.

“It's also exciting as her unit Akela and it's been a privilege to help her achieve the award.

“She's come a long way from when she first started.”

Ms Mcintyre also said it was important to acknowledge Louise’s supporting family as well.

“We ask a lot of her as a Cub Scout to achieve the peak award, and she needs that supportive family to help her achieve,” she said.