The Scouts, Cubs, Joeys and volunteers in the 1st Falcon Scouts held a volunteer appreciation ceremony Thursday night to commend those that give time and effort into making sure children receive a worthwhile experience through the group, and to reward them via grants from Volunteers WA and Lotterywest.
The night was slightly bittersweet, though, as the need for more volunteers is hampering the group’s ability to function.
“At this stage, we’re pretty desperate,” 1st Falcon Scout Group leader Cindy Tams said.
“The people here, they put so much time, energy and money, a lot of the time, into making sure we have this hall and we have activities on for the kids.
“And grants like these are really important as well, because it means we’re not having to constantly reach in to our own pockets to pay for things.”
Ms Tams said she hoped to bring new blood into the group through the big advantages she sees in Scouts – the abilities it grants children early in life.
“I think the sense of independence they get is more important than anything,” she said.
“A lot of kids are wrapped in cotton wool these days. They don’t get to experience things the way we used to – going out and camping, exploring the world in your own way, at your own pace. I think we’ve forgotten how important that is.”
1st Falcon Scouts, like many other Scout groups around the country, has adapted from a traditional Scouting group to a more community-minded setting; while the customs of scarves and woggles, saluting and pride in leadership still exist, there’s a sausage sizzle for everyone involved – scouts and volunteers and parents – and sense of relationship between those that attend.
“Just getting kids together, working on something – I mean, you can see it in their faces, right here,” Ms Tams said.
“They get so much out of it. They might want to spend all day cooped up inside in front of the TV, but even if it takes a little push, getting them into a place like this where they can work on things and problem solve, it’s great.
“And we’re not too strict – we let them mess around with crafts and that kind of thing. It’s about having fun in the first place.”
1st Falcon Scout Group – which also includes Joeys and Cubs – meets at Falcon Scout Hall, Lynda street on Thursday nights, while Dingoes meet on Wednesday nights.
The group has a range of activities coming up, including a Halloween Disco night. For full details, keep an eye on the 1st Falcon Scout Group Facebook page.
