Scouts are back in Heathcote

THE 1st Heathcote Scouts was relaunched last Sunday with a day of fun activities at the Heathcote Masonic Lodge.

New group leader Roman Powers said he was pleased by the steady flow of potential members through the gate.

“The kids enjoyed the hungry hippo games and the compass skills went down well,” he said. “Two guys have already put their hands up to be parent helpers.”

The activities were organised by 1st Eaglehawk Scouts youth leaders Evana and Daniel.

Evana said Scouting was great for building team skills.

“I joined in cubs 10 years ago,” she said. “You really get to know so many new people all with the same interests and you’re all there to accomplish something different to school and you’re working towards a goal together.”

Scouts Victoria Loddon Mallee region commissioner Dan Cliff said the idea of restarting 1st Heathcote Scouts was first raised about two years ago by community members.

“We went out for expressions of interest to see who would actually like to participate and there was an overwhelmingly positive response, so we decided that the time was right to reform the group,” he said.

“We’ve had a lot of support locally, both from individual families and local businesses.

“We’re here at the Masons’ Lodge and they’ve been instrumental in helping us relaunch the group as well.”

The launch day was supported by Scout leaders from across Bendigo who will be helping the new Heathcote group until local leaders have been trained.

Scouts Victoria Melbourne region commissioner Roy Kaplan said it was exciting to see Heathcote get a scout group going again.

“I haven’t been out this way before,” he said. “But building new scout groups is what we’re about.

“Wherever there’s a gap and kids we hope to fill it, because it really is a wonderful thing for kids to do.”

To get involved with Heathcote Scouts contact Roman Powers at [email protected] or look for the 1st Heathcote Scouts Group on Facebook.