News
Great Scout: Hannah
Friday 9th July
Taken from the South Wales Evening Post
(http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Great-Scout-Hannah-s-got-takes/article-2396711-detail/article.html)
A TEENAGER has followed in her father's footsteps after winning Scouting's top accolade. 
Hannah Phillips, 13, is the first-ever girl in her troop, 7th St Michaels Manselton, to have gained the Gold Chief Scout Award — delighting her dad Chris.
He received the same award at roughly the same age, some 24 years ago.
He said: "It's quite a nice family tradition in a way. She's been in the Cubs since she was nine, so Scouts was a natural progression for her.
"Scouting has changed since I won the Gold Chief Scout Award, as back then it was boys only. It's great that they allow girls to take part now, and Hannah is not put off about it being seen as more of a boys' thing."
To attain the Gold Chief Scout Award, the winners have to complete categories entitled Promise, Community, Fitness, Global and Outdoor.
And once they have ticked those boxes, they have a further two tasks to finish — ranging from organising expeditions to taking part in an outdoor challenge.
Hannah said: "I was never really that interested in Brownies or Guides because they don't get to do things like climbing trees or going out on adventurers.
"When I first took part in Scouts there was a few boys who thought I wouldn't do that well because I was a girl. But as time went on they soon realised it doesn't matter whether you are a boy or girl.
"Hopefully, this award proves that and will encourage more girls into taking part."
Dad Chris, 39, said his daughter also volunteers at the Silver Cross Scout Campsite, near Penllergaer.
"She loves it," added the former 42nd Swansea Scout member.
When she's 14, Hannah, of Caeconna Road, Portmead, is hoping to graduate to the Explorer Scouts.
Chris added: "Her older brother James, who is 17, is a member at the moment. "I guess you could say scouting runs in the family!"