In Jan/Feb I saw a few posts around the Maverick Award, around the same time my work became a Licensing Organisation for DofE and I also became DofE advisor for my local Girlguiding County. So I thought why not complete the Rebel Maverick Bronze. I have mulled it over for the past few months, especially as I often start really well and then fade off relatively quickly. In May I finally took the plunge to register and I started the volunteering right away. So this post is my 1 month update of how it is going.
Volunteering
That one for me is the easiest one to do as I volunteer at least 6 hours a week during term time with Girlguiding, running 5 units and helping in 2 others, I also manage the accounts for the division and as I mentioned earlier I am part of the outdoor team for the County.
I chose to volunteer with Girlguiding as at present I am working 45 hours a week in the third sector for a local charity, this includes a food bank, debt advice, community shop and youth organisation. A lot of my work is based on volunteering yet due to work commitments and current Girlguiding commitments I would be unable to participate in anything else.
Monthly update: I have volunteered 29.5 hours, this includes running the units, organising a Division trip to the cinema to watch inside out 2 and been part of the Key User Group for Girlguiding’s Digital Futures.
My Beliefs
I am still thinking of a project I can do for my beliefs, this is probably the hardest one for me to think about what I can do. Hopefully by next month I will have an update on what I will be doing.
Monthly update: Still thinking
My Skills
I only started on my skills this month. I have been trying to think of what to use. I have a lot of half developed skills – that I think are enough for me to get by. So I decided to learn a new instrument. I have been wanting to learn how to play bass guitar for years – think high school dream – yet cost was always an issue. A colleague at work has borrowed me a bass guitar so I thought this would be a great opportunity to work on this skill.
Monthly update: I have only completed 1.5 hours, but I am going to merge it with the hours for July and start it from then.
My Adventure
I am going to plan a few days away for me and my eldest daughter. During this time I would like to complete the Bear Grylls Adventure, which includes high ropes, zip line, indoor climbing, axe throwing, shooting, and archery. Whilst I have tried axe throwing and archery before it is more about the climbing and high ropes – of which I have always wanted to do and yet confidence has always stopped me from trying.
Monthly update: I have looked into the adventure, now I need to find local campsites and pick a date to do it.
My Challenge
My fitness levels are at rock bottom. There is so much that I would love to be able to do but I’m just not fit enough to do them. My diet isn’t great either which doesn’t help. So my challenge for the Maverick Bronze award is to complete my Hill and Moorland Qualification. Whilst I do some walking with the family, I want to push myself to do more than that, espeically as my youngest is loving coming with me to, which helped me to complete the Big Rebel Adventure 2024.
I have to track 20 Quality walking days before I can book onto training. Then I have to do more days before booking an assessment. This won’t be an easy for me to complete and so I thought this would be a great challenge for my Maverick Bronze.
Monthly update: I have started by completing 3 quality hill walk days.