Scouts Involvement

[Wodewick]

Cubs & Scouts is a terrific interest for kids. Both my boys went to cubs and scouts. One is now in the Airforce and the other is a mining engineer and both still enjoy camping. It gives them a great grounding and they learn to work with others and appreciate others needs. GO SCOUTS.

[rescue1]

Was a Cub & Rover (got my BP Award) and Cub Leader, Scout Leader, Rover Advisor then back to Scout Leader, got out when I found out a couple of my scouts had been victims of child abuse and it was no use talking to the Group Leader or the District Commissioner as they were part of the ring doing the abuse...Sill keep in touch with a number of old scouting mates...

[bunyip]

rescue1,

That is a real shame, there are always bad apples to spoil the barrel. The VAST majority of people I know in scouting are great people who are in it for all the right reasons, there are a couple of harmless guys who are only in it to get their kids the highest awards possible.

I can honestly say I have never had any reason to suspect anyone of anything improper.

Bunyip

[geopaj]

Was a Cub & Rover (got my BP Award) and Cub Leader, Scout Leader, Rover Advisor then back to Scout Leader, got out when I found out a couple of my scouts had been victims of child abuse and it was no use talking to the Group Leader or the District Commissioner as they were part of the ring doing the abuse...Sill keep in touch with a number of old scouting mates...

My advice to anyone is to contact the Police and/or your state's Child Protection Agency FIRST if they suspect child abuse. I would then contact your state's Scout HQ, and only contact the GL or DC last (if at all).

Basically, anyone who is a volunteer is a mandated reporter (Scouting or otherwise) - and it is therefore a legal (and moral) obligation to contact contact the Police and/or your state's Child Protection Agency.

[stepheng]

Rescue 1

I was reluctant for my child to join scouts for this very reason. I was happy to see that you need a working with children check to even stay in the hall and they have rules about adults being in pairs with children when alone. Having said that, scouts and places with kids do attract the pedo's and having working with children checks wont stop it (will reduce it though).

I help out and am going away on the camps, for this very reason just to make sure. It is sad to hear of this experience and any potential/rumours should be reported. If someone touches my kids (and others as well) I will kill them, happy to go on trail for it.

Having said that, I think though that the Scouts have tried to stamp it out and it is worthwhile but be aware

[bunyip]

Scouts Australia (I believe) have a policy of in sight, out of hearing. If a Leader needs to talk to a youth member by themselves then they MUST be able to be seen at all times.

Our Scout Group is very big on enforcing this rule, not because we think any of our Leaders are a risk, just to ensure the perception of risk is not there.

I do not want to diminish anyone's negative experience, I understand that they do happen and have serious long term effects, however I was intending that this thread be a positive thread about those Swaggers that help the Community. I am more than happy to contribute to any other thread about the dangers (and of course there are some) of youth based organisations and exploitation.
 

Bunyip

[james2115]

Quartermaster of 1st Ermington Scouts - daughter in Joeys and son in Cubs.

A very active group with members from Joeys to Rovers and like most groups it has a core of very hard working people and bugger all funds.

Go on all camps with cubs to help out with a couple of other parents - even had to buy a tent as all we had was the camper trailer!

[mr_cougar79]

Im invovled in the sense as a Amateur radio operator and provide a service for the girl guides up at camp Callemondah (Hunter Valley) for events such as JOTA which is in only a cpl of weeks time...

[grizzly]

I started as a Cub in 1972 then Scouts ,Venturers,Rovers and when the kids become involved I got on the committie and then became a leader when the eldest started Scouts that was about 10yrs back. I have meet some of my best mates through Scouts, including my wife Margaret. Our daughter is the only one of the kids still in Venturers, I keep saying this is my last year as a leader then we will see.
Grizzly 

[cheif carlos]

have spent a large part of my life in the scouts
1st West Epping Cubs, Scouts, Venturers
Carlingford Rover Crew
Morda-Riverland Fellowship until I was 27

helped out at 10 dragonskins, 1 jamborree, and have travelled to sandblast, banana bash, mud bash (off road racing) and other various events in and out to state

cannot wait for my 2 girls to be old enough to join them

I would become a leader but with my job I can get called out at anytime