If you are the adventurous type, thrive in a leadership role and are interested in working with young people, then you might be the person Australia’s biggest youth organisation are looking for.

Group leader Greg Crofts has been involved with Scouts for 39 years.

‘‘In this day and age it is harder to get families involved,’’ Mr Crofts said.

“Given the modern day climate, where both parents are working, children are involved in so many activities and parents are rushing in all different directions.” 

The traditional outdoor adventure movement dates back to the early twentieth century and encourages children to use their resourcefulness in open-air pursuits, all while having fun.

‘‘We find scouting is very relevant today, nobody gets outside as much as they once did, what with all the technology today taking over people’s lives,’’ he said.

Scouts Australia is a registered training organisation. Depending on the type of training members undertake, they could be awarded a nationally recognised Certificate or Diploma qualification. All the study expenses are covered by the group.

“We train people in water activities such as canoeing, camping, abseiling, hiking, caving and geocaching, which is a GPS treasure hunt.” 

Mr Crofts believes a good group leader can have a positive impact on young people. 

“We have a good example in Mat, he really strengthened the group,” he said.

Venturer Scout Leader, Matthew Cameron is a qualified school teacher and has been involved with the Kiama Scout Group for two years.

‘‘Not having been in scouts as a kid I didn’t know what to expect,’’ Mr Cameron said.

‘‘I have discovered so many benefits to being involved in scouting that these experience carry on to my everyday life.’’ 

‘‘As a leader I try to guide the scouts and give opinions based on my personal experiences, but the majority of planning is up to the young people themselves.’’

‘‘A few of the scouts wanted to do canoeing as part of their badge work, so they organised where and when it would take place and as the leader I went through the safety aspects for canoe rescue, then handed the reins over to the scouts so they each could take turns at leading the rescue.’’

Mr Cameron enjoys the partnership between the Scout group and the community, he said joining the Scouts gave him the opportunity to give back .

“We are very focused on helping the community,” he said.

Interested parents and young people can attend an information night at the Kiama Scout hall opposite the boat ramp, Black Beach. Monday, March 9 at 7pm. For more informationemail Greg Crofts woodleigh3@bigpond.com