A Christian youth group leader has been recognised for her warm mentoring character, inclusiveness and attention to detail.

Captain Joy Symonds, the commanding officer of the Church Girls Brigade at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Paget, was awarded the Christian Service Award during Sunday’s Holy Communion service.

She was also decorated with the Exemplary Service Medal for her broader work with the church.

The citation for her awards said, in part: “Her inclusiveness, attention to detail and warm mentoring character inspires and helps CGB leaders and girls grow in faith and confidence.

“At all times she fosters a culture of giving and leads by example.

“She also encourages the girls to put their faith into action through service so that along the way they may encounter God.”

Captain Symonds was praised for her fundraising efforts with the brigade through car-washing drives and selling baked goods.

“These events are opportunities for the CGB and their friends and families to be involved in making positive differences in their community,” the citation said.

“Additionally, Captain Symonds was a church warden and vestry member from 2009 to 2018 at St Paul’s.

“She was the lead figure in getting the church Christmas lunch feeding programme started.

“This initiative is to open the doors and ‘feed the spirit’ of those who are alone on Christmas Day and a place to have a hot meal in welcoming company, including the homeless, caretakers and visitors to the island.

“Such is her influence that alumni step up to attend meetings to guest speak, volunteer at fundraisers, enrol their children and support the CGB whenever called.

“The bond between the girls is due to Captain Symonds’s strong leadership, principles, teamwork, belief and faith in them.”

Captain Symonds, a human resources manager at the Bermuda Housing Corporation, said she was humbled and honoured by the awards.

She told The Royal Gazette: “I was just speechless — I just couldn’t say anything.

“I’m used to being the one doing all the organising, and never in a million years did I think that the work I do in service to God would be recognised in this way — it’s just something that I love to do.

“Watching these young girls grow and mature — some of them are married with children of their own now — it’s very fulfilling. But any accolades I receive are down to my church family and the girls in the brigade.

“It’s extremely humbling but I’m also extremely honoured.”

Captain Symonds and other members of the brigade also received certificates for their long service to the organisation.

Emily Foster Skelton has served in the brigade for five years, while Sarai Packwood and Marissa Norville have each notched up ten years of service.

Canon Anthony Pettit, the vicar at St Paul’s, was recognised for ten years of service, Captain Symonds for 15 years of service and Lieutenant Jenny Arnold for 25 years of service.

The awards were presented by the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda, and Andrew Murdoch, the Governor.