Isobel Cooper, 11, becomes first female Katanning Cub Scout to receive Grey Wolf Award

A Katanning Cub Scout has made history as the group’s first female member to obtain a Grey Wolf Award.

Isobel Cooper, 11, was presented with the Grey Wolf Award at a ceremony at Wurgabup Rifle Club on Sunday, attended by family, friends and fellow Scouts.

1st Katanning Scout Group leader Hilary Harris told the crowd Isobel was initially nervous to join the Scouts.

“(Isobel) attended a Joey camp with her mum and little brother James before getting the courage up to attend Cubs herself,” she said.

“Tears were commonplace at drop-off at the start of quite a few camps, as Isobel battled her nerves about being away from home.

“Fast forward two years, and standing before us today is a confident, capable, bright young lady.”

“Isobel has an infectious smile and is well liked by the members of our Cub unit.

“She is always willing to help out and jumps into activities and lessons with both feet.”

To complete the Grey Wolf Award, Isobel completed Level 3 in her bushcraft, camping and bushwalking skills, as well as badges in six special interest areas.

Two of the badges were in the arts and literature category, which included her learning basic Auslan and creating a bird-themed art piece.

Another two were in the sport and adventure category and involved her playing a season of netball and researching her favourite professional netball player.

Organising litter collection with a fellow Scout and improving her cooking skills helped her gain another two badges.

She completed her “adventurous journey” in late March, when she organised and led a 12km hike from her family’s farm to the Badgebup Hall.

Her fear of camps is also long gone, having now completed 15 nights of camping and 73.5km of walking and hiking as part of her walkabout badges.