Scouting For New Recruits In Young

The young branch of Scouts Australia is currently on the hunt for adventurous youngsters within reach of the local area.

Scouts is open to anyone aged 5 to 25 years who can join the Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts or Rover Scouts.

The first Young Scout group leader, Corey McIntyre grew up in the Scouts as a youngster and became a leader about seven years ago.

“We’re building skills to help us in the outside world,” Mr McIntyre said. “We learn things like cooking and camp survival skills, but the focus today is youth-led activities with adult guidance.

“It gives them ownership over what they’re doing.”

That ownership gives the participant power over what they are doing but also leaves them with the responsibility for how enjoyable what they are doing is.

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke recently visited Mr McIntyre to learn a bit more.

“Scout numbers in Young unfortunately dropped-off during COVID, but now that the renovations have been completed at the hall, the local chapter is ready to ramp-up their activities in the New Year, so I encourage anyone who is perhaps looking for a new challenge or something fun to do, to learn more about the activities on offer,” Ms Cooke said.

“Scouting is often thought of as focused solely on outdoor activities, but it’s also a great foundation for developing leadership and other life skills, as well as creating lifelong friendships.”

Joining Scouts can help foster leadership skills, teamwork and resilience in young people that they can draw from and build on for the rest of their lives.

Mr McIntyre took Ms Cooke on a tour of the interior of the newly refurbished hall, made possible through a $160,000 grant from the previous NSW Coalition Government.

“The hall not only has a new roof, but the inside has been completely transformed with new flooring, a new ceiling, and a new kitchenette; it’s very impressive and such a welcoming environment for young people to come and spend time with friends,” Ms Cooke said.

“There’s also opportunities for adults to become a Scout volunteer, so to all the adventurers out there, I encourage you to give Corey a call; he’ll tell you all about how to join in the fun, and activities, and at the same time, make some lifelong friendships.”

Prospective Scouts and their families who would like to learn more can phone Corey McIntyre on 0422 015 842 or get in touch with the Young Electorate Office on 02 6382 2399.

Head over to Woolworths on Saturday for a yummy barbecue sausage and have a chat if you want to learn more.

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