General News
14 September, 2023
Scouts ensure happier youth
On Tuesday night the Warracknabeal Scout Group celebrated a historic moment, investing five new Joey Scouts and a new Cub Scout into the group in the presence of parents, relatives, invited guests, unit leaders and other youth members. Western...
On Tuesday night the Warracknabeal Scout Group celebrated a historic moment, investing five new Joey Scouts and a new Cub Scout into the group in the presence of parents, relatives, invited guests, unit leaders and other youth members.
Western Region Commissioner Leigh Cooksley said the investiture was historically significant not only because they welcomed six new youth members who are embarking on their scouting journey, but also because it signalled the beginning of an entirely new section.
“Warracknabeal Scout Group has been running for more than 100 years, and has ebbed and flowed with youth numbers, leader numbers and the various sections but has never before had a Joey section,” he said.
“Anytime a group starts a new section, it signifies vitality, opportunity and optimism that the group is strong and growing, and Warracknabeal is no different.”
Mr Cooksley said the Warracknabeal Scout Group can be proud of being one of only two groups offering programs from Joeys at age five to Venturers at 18, and that they are fortunate to have the leader support to do so.
“Becoming a scout is a journey in itself,” he said.
“You start being unsure exactly what it is about, learn as you go, understand what opportunities it provides, and start to develop your sense of belonging.
“You choose your own adventure as you navigate your way through the awards scheme and develop amazing skills along the way.”
Mr Cooksley shared a number of positive statistics and key findings from Scouts Australia’s Resilience Survey, which was conducted in conjunction with Resilient Youth Australia to investigate the impact being a part of Scouting had on youth.
The study showed that:
Scouts are almost 10 per cent more likely than non-Scouts to hold more hope for a positive future.
Scouts have a 13 per cent healthier mental state than non-scouts
Scouts are 12 per cent more likely to feel good about themselves
Scouts are 15 per cent more likely than non-scouts to feel they make a positive contribution to their community
A Scouts values are 15 per cent more likely to be more positive than non-Scouts
“The journey that (new initiates) Henry, Kaiesha, Luke, Jackson, Thomas and Tyson are about to commence tonight will set them on a journey of discovery, exploring the world around them, learning life skills, developing leadership attributes and build their resilience that will help them become our leaders of the future - not only in scouting, but across all they do in life,” said Mr Cooksley.
“They started their journey having fun, doing some outdoor bushcraft activities to learn what scouting is about, and over the last four weeks have focused on understanding the scout promise and law.
“The promise and law sets the expectations and outlines their responsibilities as they navigate their scouting journey, develop and grow, and slowly but surely become responsible young leaders in their communities.”
New youth and leaders are always welcomed.
Joeys and Cubs run on Tuesday evenings from 5pm to 6.30pm, before Scouts from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and Venturers meet on Thursdays between 6.30pm and 8.30pm during school terms.
For more information, drop in on a scouting night or make an enquiry via the Scouts Victoria website.