Heroism Award The Heroism Award may be awarded to a youth member or adult leader who has demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.
After kayaking at Hilton Head Island (while guests at Disney DVC resort), we were attempting to get back onto the dock. My 9 yr old son & I had shared a kayak. My 10 yr old son & 14 yr old niece each had their own single kayak. 14 yr old is hanging onto the dock - still in her kayak. 9 yr old got out of our kayak & tied it up (without instruction
) 9 yr old was headed to tie his cousin's kayak to the other end of the dock. 10 yr old was still approaching the dock area (We don't call him "lolly" for nothing - it is short for lolly-gagger.) I am busy retrieving camera, camcorder, waterbottles, towels... from our kayak when my niece screams my oldest's name. After 1.5 weeks in a condo with 3 kids, one screaming another's name is NOT noteworthy - or so I thought. After hoisting myself onto the dock from the kayak, I see that my 9 yr old is hanging onto a canoe oar for dear live. At the other end of the oar, is his 10 yr old brother - IN THE CREEK. From his position in the creek, the water is flowing away from the dock. Luckily he had his life jacket on securely. My 9 year old had calmly & without instruction (2x in a row!) thought to extend the oar to his brother & instructed him to grab hold. My 9 yr old was very calm & reacted perfectly in the situation. He hung onto the oar with his brother at the other end until I was able to get there & hoist him out of the water. My 9 yr old was using all of his might to stay on that dock and hang onto the oar. The dock was nothing but flat boards with no railing or edging - just a drop straight into the creek. I had to brace my foot against the boat tie hardware for leverage in pulling my 10 yr old out of the water. My niece was still in her kayak and not in a position to do much but keep herself safe. My 10 yr old seemed to think the whole thing was one great adventure. I one the other hand, looked like this: 
Did I mention that we have always considered the 10 yr old the more level headed of the two? I can't think about how the situation could have turned out. They haven't even hit their teens!
Needless to say, I am extremely grateful & proud of my 9 yr old's quick reaction. He is a cub scout and I was thinking that his actions might warrent recognition. What do you think?
After kayaking at Hilton Head Island (while guests at Disney DVC resort), we were attempting to get back onto the dock. My 9 yr old son & I had shared a kayak. My 10 yr old son & 14 yr old niece each had their own single kayak. 14 yr old is hanging onto the dock - still in her kayak. 9 yr old got out of our kayak & tied it up (without instruction
) 9 yr old was headed to tie his cousin's kayak to the other end of the dock. 10 yr old was still approaching the dock area (We don't call him "lolly" for nothing - it is short for lolly-gagger.) I am busy retrieving camera, camcorder, waterbottles, towels... from our kayak when my niece screams my oldest's name. After 1.5 weeks in a condo with 3 kids, one screaming another's name is NOT noteworthy - or so I thought. After hoisting myself onto the dock from the kayak, I see that my 9 yr old is hanging onto a canoe oar for dear live. At the other end of the oar, is his 10 yr old brother - IN THE CREEK. From his position in the creek, the water is flowing away from the dock. Luckily he had his life jacket on securely. My 9 year old had calmly & without instruction (2x in a row!) thought to extend the oar to his brother & instructed him to grab hold. My 9 yr old was very calm & reacted perfectly in the situation. He hung onto the oar with his brother at the other end until I was able to get there & hoist him out of the water. My 9 yr old was using all of his might to stay on that dock and hang onto the oar. The dock was nothing but flat boards with no railing or edging - just a drop straight into the creek. I had to brace my foot against the boat tie hardware for leverage in pulling my 10 yr old out of the water. My niece was still in her kayak and not in a position to do much but keep herself safe. My 10 yr old seemed to think the whole thing was one great adventure. I one the other hand, looked like this: Did I mention that we have always considered the 10 yr old the more level headed of the two? I can't think about how the situation could have turned out. They haven't even hit their teens!Needless to say, I am extremely grateful & proud of my 9 yr old's quick reaction. He is a cub scout and I was thinking that his actions might warrent recognition. What do you think?
They are 5,7 and 10, so we are still looking at cubs. Little guy can't wait until next year! Thanks for the info and encouragement!
