Turning up early to the first night of the year, slightly filled with this apprehension of not knowing how many youth members will show up, sweeping the floor and tidying up the hall ready for hopeful Scout night can be quite unnerving.

Ten minutes before the start time … no kids. Two minutes before the start time, and all of a sudden Cub Scouts and Scouts turn up. The silent hall becomes an insane hub of noise, and it’s a fantastic feeling to know that this year, we do have an active ‘Scout Group’.

For those that are new, we had extreme low numbers at this time last year, and both the 1^st Portarlington Scout Group Leaders and the District commissioners were not looking at an exciting future. I’m very happy to announce that this outlook has changed.

Thank you Julieanne (Cub Scouts) and Damien (Scouts)

All accreditation goes to Julieanne and Damien for the growth of the Scout Group over the past year. Both of these two leaders have managed the youth sections to the point that it has encouraged other youth members to join.

I’d also like to let you all know that at the end of last year, Julieanne was awarded with the Certificate of Merit for Recognition of Good Service from the Chief Scout of Australia. Congratulations Julieanne!

Jocelyn Peucker
Leader in Charge (LIC)