Reflections

Reflections really started as a series to explain why scouts is not just a social event or a youth club but an movement that really seeks to enable the development of our youth into better citizens – future leaders and thinkers who can add real value to our country and world. I firmly believe that we do this at 1st Claremont.

Over my time as Troop Scouter we have, as a troop and a group, passed many milestones and made many records in the history of the troop. I am very proud of what we, as a team, not only of adults but of scouts, have achieved. But the most interesting understanding that has evolved is that of the benefits that accrue to the adults themselves through their involvement in volunteering at scouts. As with the scouts themselves these benefits are evident when the person is committed to scouts – a half-hearted commitment will not see the benefits accrue. There is not a day at my day job that I do not rely on the skills and experience I have learnt at scouts.

Scouts has been a huge influence from age 7 until now – almost half a century. It has given me friendship, experiences, life skills and challenges – sometimes more of these than I wanted but each one a growth opportunity. I have met great people and learnt to “parent” more teenagers than I ever thought I would. Being the Troop Scouter enabled me to give back to others what my four Troop Scouters gave to me. When I first took over I was faced with the question of how to be the Troop Scouter. It was only then – some 35 years later – that I realised how much my Troop Scouters had influenced me and I could see the fine examples I could follow. In a very real sense, being the Troop Scouter was a reflection on those adult scouters who took the time to help me along the path of scouts and life.

It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to be the Troop Scouter at 1st Claremont. For all those scouts, scouters and parents, past and present, who have helped me, I give thanks. Maybe one day, one of my scouts will look back and do the same for their scouts that was done for me.