A Balclutha teenager has gained the highest honour in youth scouting - becoming a Queen's Scout.
Bryce Reichel (17) was last week awarded his Queen's Scout pin by national commissioner Kelly Bleakley.
A scout for 12 years, Bryce said he was excited to achieve the award.
Scouts was a good way to meet new people and he hoped to become a cub leader.
Mrs Bleakley said scouting pushed youth to try a range of activities and helped develop good skills, as well as setting them apart when it came time to enter the workforce.
Bryce's achievement of the Queen's Scout Award at the age of 17 was impressive, as it was the highest level a youth scout could attain.
''It demonstrates dedication and persistence.''
Mrs Bleakley achieved her Queen's Scout Award when she was 18.
Bryce's venturer leader Mark Way said he was extremely proud.
''We looked at his time as a scout, from when he was a kea until now. This award is not an easy thing to do, it's a big achievement.''
Last year, Bryce was selected to take part in the Youth to Everest programme, which offers the opportunity for a unique insight into the daily life of Sherpa people.
The programme is run by Everest Treks, is open to pupils aged 15 years and over, and is held annually in April. It is fully accredited by the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, which Bryce was working towards.
Bryce finished his Duke of Edinburgh award two months ago, and will go to Auckland later this year to receive both that and the Queen's Scout Award from Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.
A year 13 pupil at South Otago High School, Bryce plans to take up an electrical apprenticeship before studying sound and lighting.
The Balclutha Scout Group has raised $40,000 towards attending the 20th New Zealand Scout Jamboree in Feilding at the end of the year.
Nearly 40 scouts, leaders, and support staff from South Otago will attend the jamboree, and a target of raising $60,000 over the past year was set.
A quiz night held in Balclutha earlier this month raised $4000 for the event, and a ''UV rave'' is the next big fundraiser planned.
The event, to be held sometime before the next school holidays, will have time slots for various age groups and involves ultraviolet paint and glow-in-the-dark products.
