Uxbridge Venturer Scout receives top honour
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
The 1st Uxbridge Venturer Scouts recently announced that they were “super excited” to share that one of their own had been awarded the highest honour a youth can earn in Scouting for his “distinguished youth service and excellence within the Scouting movement”
1st Uxbridge Venturer Scout James Marlatt was recently awarded the Medal of the Maple, the highest honour a youth can earn in Scouting. Submitted photo
James Marlatt received the prestigious award, with 1st Uxbridge Scout Group Youth Commissioner (and younger sister) Kathryn Marlatt reading aloud the lengthy citation during the presentation in front of James’s fellow Venturers, Scouters, and entire family. She also presented him with the Medal of the Maple, a certificate, and a badge for his uniform.
His fellow Venturers say that Marlatt is “looked up to by youth and volunteers young and old for his outstanding contribution to Scouting.”
For demonstrated leadership, he was appointed Patrol Leader at the end of his first year in Scouts, and has subsequently been appointed Troop Leader, Company Leader, and Group Youth Commissioner at various points. These roles were not in name only, as Marlatt was active fostering leadership, being the voice for the section on Group Committee for 5+ years, and recruiting youth and volunteers at numerous events.
This isn’t Marlatt’s first time being recognized. He is also the recipient of two Letters of Commendation, the Meritorious Conduct Award for providing first aid and helping to evacuate an injured Scout out of the woods, and is often informally recognized by Scouters, parents, and other youth for compassion, confidence, and inclusive nature in the way he conducts himself.
He has been the coordinator of several community clean-ups, including of the trails after a tornado went through town (May 2022).
Through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and beyond, Marlatt has always been passionate about Scouting. He is often the organizer of section Scouting events, helping to plan and arrange logistics and helping others while they are leading events.
Marlatt says he loves sharing the Scouting spirit with others so much that he was invited to host the Chief Scout Investiture Campfire for Les Stroud, as well as host a regional Camporee for 300 people. He also represents his Scout group on interviews for local media.
He’s earned all of the Personal Achievement Badges in Cubs and Scouts, earned the Seeonee Award and Six Star Cub Award, as well as the Chief Scout’s Award.
He says he’s excited about the adventures that await him as he heads into the next level of Rovers.