Eleni Polykarpou
Award Level:
Gold
Favourite memory of the Award:
The Silver final hike. I was in a group with people I didn't really know, and I was sure it was going to be an awkward hike. The planning sessions were a little quiet, a couple of the people I was with didn't talk very much. Once we set off, we started chatting like we'd all been friends forever. They were all so funny and time passed easily. The night was just as great, we had a blast just messing around until we were too tired.
Age:
17
Biggest challenge from doing the Award:
Cyprus maps are useless. A lot of the track roads aren't on them, or there are roads that lead into fields that throw you off. Unfortunately, due to the continuing invasion, modern maps are difficult to read.
Country:
Cyprus
Have you continued any of your Award activities? If so, what:
I started taekwondo again last year after years of not doing it. I quickly got back into it, remembered the stuff I had learnt easily, and enjoyed myself so much.
Tell us the story behind your photo:
I spent a week at Scout Camp being an assistant leader. I met a lot of children and other leaders there. It took me a while to learn all their names. During the day, we'd arrange games and trainings for the Cubs we were looking after to learn new things. At night, all the leaders and assistant leaders gathered together, we cooked sausages and halloumi, played card games, and shared stories of past camps, funny things that happened in our lives, anything at all. It was like I had found a new family. This specific photo was taken one night after lights out, when they should have been asleep. The leaders were all together, eating and having a quiet party, I looked over at the tents to make sure no one was awake. I saw their heads stuck out and went over, only to find then sharing packs of crisps and juices. At nearly 12 am. I couldn't help but laugh.
Award Role:
Participant