My Beliefs

I have (finally) decided on a project for the My Beliefs section of the award. 

"Either create or take part in a project which draws attention to a cause which  you care passionately about. For example you could arrange or attend a demonstration or protest, start a petition, raise money for a charity, take environmental action - the choice is yours. Create a presentation about the project, to showcase what you did."

I've ruminated on this for while to determine what is really important to me, and have decided that I want to assist my local food banks.

I truly believe that nobody should have to struggle to afford/obtain food in our, so-called, civilised society, regardless of their situation.

Whilst I was growing up and into early adulthood, we had some really tough years. My amazing Mum always did the very best she could, with what we had, but it wasn't easy for her. 

I remember one year, just before Christmas, I was collecting my little brother from school when I was called into the headteacher's office and given an envelope to take to my Mum; I didn't think much of it, Mum knew lots of people through school and the linked church, but I duly took it home.

Turns out is was £50 of supermarket vouchers from the UCM and my Mum burst into tears. Seeing how much such a simple act meant to her, and the difference it made to our family, will always stay with me.

So.....My plan is to, firstly, find details of all my local food banks, social supermarkets etc. and share with as many people as possible. Both for donating food and what to do if you need food, making it as clear as possible how to apply etc.

Secondly, I will actively find out what products my local food bank needs each week/month, and make a donation accordingly, encouraging others to do the same.

Finally, my "project" will culminate in a Reverse Advent Calendar where I create a food hamper during advent by adding one item each day (instead of having an advent calendar where I receive a treat).

Bonus part...I will ask my son's school to consider arranging a collection for one of our local food banks, at Harvest Festival and at Christmas.

I have really noticed the rising price of food and it is pushing so many families over the edge. We shouldn't be in a position where food banks are needed in this country but, as they are needed, I want to help where I can!

-Jenny-

My Challenge

As the title says, this post is about the My Challenge clause of the award:

"Set yourself a measurable challenge for the next six months. For example - finishing the first draft of a book, passing your driving test, running a half marathon, or learning to swim 25 metres, You choose your challenge - however it must be different to your skill, and it should take at least six months for you to achieve the goal. If you achieve it more quickly, set the bar higher for yourself!"

I've been thinking about this and my biggest challenge recently has definitely been my attempts at losing weight. 

I know that I am an unhealthy weight and I really want to change that, so I'm going to attempt to lose 3 stone over the next six months. This will take me to a healthy weight, and should alleviate some of my other health issues.

My main reason for choosing this challenge is that I want to be more adventurous (trying new activities, climbing a mountain etc.) and my current weight is a definite hindrance and bordering on preventing me from doing some things entirely!

I'll be getting started by following the Slimming World diet and, once I've lost a bit of weight, hopefully incorporating some exercise too. I love some of the recipes inspired by Slimming World, especially those by Pinch of Nom.

I'll be tracking my weight loss using the 'Monitor Your Weight' app; I've used it in the past and it has a straightforward interface.

By Christmas, I hope to be feeling muchore energetic! 😀

-Jenny-

Start Date: 25th June 2022

Well, I bit the bullet and registered on the Rebel website for my Bronze Maverick Award 😀 I'll be receiving a log book soon, in which I'll be able to keep the evidence of my endeavours.

As the award is designed to take at least six months, the very earliest I could complete this is Christmas 2022, so a perfect challenge for the second half of the year.

Each award is split into 5 sections, so I've been looking at the first part, My Community.

"Over a period of at least six months, complete at least 30 hours of volunteer work. Keep a log of the hours and activities."

Knowing this first clause is (partially) why I registered for the Maverick Award today; I have spent 6 hours setting up and running a Summer Fayre at my son's school, which I will count towards my total hours (see pic of our Hook-a-Duck game).

I've been Treasurer for the PTA for a few years now and plan to continue with the role for at least the next year. This should give me plenty of opportunities to achieve my total of 30 volunteer hours.

I'll be looking at the other sections of the award, over the next few days, and coming up with a plan for each part.

-Jenny-

A Little Intro...

So, I'd better explain what this blog is all about...

For the past few months I've been working towards earning Rebel Badges; they're adult merit badges and there's a vast array of different badges, with challenges to undertake in order to earn them.

As an extension to this, the Bronze Maverick Award has just been launched. The Maverick Awards are along a similar vein to Duke of Edinburgh awards, but these are for adults!

I can't officially start yet, as I need to register for it (and pay the registration fee) but I can plan, as the syllabus and clauses has been shared over on the Rebel website.

I'm going to utilise this blog to track my progress and keep evidence all in one place; I'm hoping it will also keep motivated.

Here's to a big adventure!

-Jenny-

Click here for more infor on Rebel Badges.

For more info on the Bronze Maverick Award, click here.