A Central Ayr District volunteer has been recognised for her work supporting girls and young women with a Long Service Award.
Christine McLean of 17th A Ayr Guides & Ranger Unit was awarded the honour at her Unit Meeting on Monday 27th January by County Commissioner, Elin Marsh.
Christine first became involved in guiding when she joined her Unit as a Guide, going on to become a leader of the same Unit in 1984. Since then she has travelled to countless camps and trips, and held various roles within the county; all while providing amazing opportunities for girls and young women from her area.
Angie, Christine’s fellow Unit Leader said: ‘’I am absolutely delighted to see Christine awarded her 40 Year Service badge. Christine has given her time, energy and talents and shared her passion of Guiding with the girls throughout the years; for which we are so grateful. “
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, They just have a heart ” and Christine certainly has a huge heart!’’
County Commissioner, Elin Marsh said: “Christine has been District Commissioner, County Guide Advisor, County Outdoor Activity Advisor and mentor for new leaders. She has loved every opportunity Guiding and leading the girls have given her and has no intentions of ever stopping! Christine – thank you for all your time and energy you put into ensuring the girls have fun while learning many valuable skills.’’
Lesley Wilson (nee Jamieson), former Guide at Christine’s Unit told us:
‘’I have known Christine since 1996 when I joined Guides as a very naïve 10 year old! I remained at Guides until I turned 16. Within those 6 years my world of adventure exploded. Before, we had only ever had experiences of bunking at Nether Auchendrane with our Brownie group. Christine taught me how to do all things camping – under canvas, not your easy pop-up tent!- including pitching, maintenance and safety; skills that I still use today. I learned so many life skills and had opportunities to go camping all over the UK, meeting different Guide and Scout groups; learning decision making and independence.
Christine nurtured you, however she also ensured that you learned how to do things on your own and make decisions. She didn’t (and still doesn’t!) suffer fools gladly!
I was once given the opportunity to attend the World Guiding Camp in Nottingham. I have so many core memories from that trip; meeting people in the Guiding movement from all over the world, learning how to navigate without family and to be confident amongst your peers – all skills I learned with Guides.
The badges Christine helped me gain were countless, and I want to thank her for all of the thought and planning that went into facilitating it all. Christine helped me to gain my Baden Powell Award and I was the last Guide in Scotland to achieve the award.
I can’t thank Christine and Angie at my Unit enough for everything they have done for me through my Guiding journey!
40 years is such an incredible achievement – Thank you Christine!’’
Elaine Rough, Scottish Chief Commissioner said: “40 years is such an amazing achievement. Christine has shown such dedication and commitment to bettering the lives of girls through guiding. I want to thank Christine for giving so much of her energy and time to ensuring that girls continue to reach their potential and learn skills for life.”
For more information about Girlguiding in South Ayrshire, visit www.girlguidingayrshiresouth.org.uk
