A young Girlguiding volunteer has been recognised at Buckingham Palace after achieving the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.
Gemma McGunnigle, a former Vale of Leven Academy pupil, was invited to the royal residence to celebrate her achievement after completing the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
Gemma, 18, from Alexandria, first began her DofE journey through Girlguiding, achieving her Bronze Award and part of her Silver, before going on to complete her Silver and Gold Awards with the Air Cadets.
Learning new skills
To earn her Gold Award, Gemma dedicated 12 months to volunteering with the Air Cadets, teaching cadets different aspects of the training syllabus and supporting activities including uniform stores management, social media and events. Her commitment also led to her being selected to represent Scotland and Northern Ireland Air Cadets at gruelling four-day marching event in the Netherlands.
As part of the expedition section of the award, Gemma spent 10 days sailing along Scotland’s west coast. The expedition focused on carrying out a beach clean on the Isle of Coll, where participants were surprised by the amount of debris washed up on the shoreline despite the island’s remote and scenic location.
The experience resulted in Gemma achieving an RYA Competent Crew Award and an Ocean Youth Trust certificate. Her involvement in the Mark Scott Leadership Award programme also contributed towards completing the residential requirements for the Gold DofE Award.
Girlguiding qualification
Alongside her achievements with the Air Cadets, Gemma also recently completed her Girlguiding Adult Leadership Qualification with 2nd Balloch Brownies, where she helps support and inspire young girls within the community.
Gemma, who is now studying an HNC in Travel and Tourism, said: “DofE has opened up so many opportunities for me. Each section helped me build confidence and discover interests and activities that I never thought I would enjoy.
“People are often interested in hearing about the work and commitment involved, which makes it a great conversation starter.
“Getting to go to Buckingham Palace was an amazing opportunity and one that I will not stop talking about. Listening to the celebrities and how they got to where they are was truly inspiring, and getting to meet the Duke of Edinburgh himself was awesome.
“Not only has DofE been a valuable experience, but completing the Girlguiding Adult Leadership Qualification has also helped to build my confidence even further. Working with the Brownies has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful to everyone who supported and encouraged me throughout the journey to achieving it.”
From Brownie to Girlguiding leader
Louise McPhail, leader of the 2nd Balloch Brownies, said: “We are immensely proud of Gemma and all she has achieved. She was one of our first Brownies when we took over the unit and it’s so lovely to follow her journey over the years and have her return to us as an adult and see all she has accomplished over the last few years.”
For more information on becoming a Girlguiding leader, visit Becoming a Girlguiding leader