Scotch College

Old Scotch Cricketers stride to the crease

Venturer Leaders acknowledged for Service

The Venturer Unit at Scotch is an energetic group of lads who form the vital link between "Scouts" and

"Rovers". We have been extremely fortunate to have two of the best leaders available, to mentor and encourage our boys. The large number of Venturers achieving their Queen's Scout Award in recent years is only one measure of the quality of the program being offered.

District Venturer Leader, Mr Robert Evans, is a past member of 1st Hawthorn, Scotch College, and currently Assistant Leader Trainer in part of the National Training Team of the Scout Association of Australia. He has dedicated more than twenty years to developing scouting ideals in the community. It was fitting that, at a special ceremony held at Gilwell Park earlier this year, he was awarded the Silver Koala, as a mark of this extensive service to youth.

At the same ceremony, Assistant Venturer Leader and Zone Venturer Leader, Mr Andrew McKeon, was awarded the Silver Arrow Head in recognition of extensive service to the community through his work in Venturing. Scotch College is indeed fortunate to have the expertise and enthusiastic leadership which these two men provide.

The Venturer Unit operates throughout the entire year with an active program. The Unit meets on a Friday night in the Scout Hall in Morrison Street, at 6.30pm.

Christopher Taylor

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Scotch Venturers rolling on

The Scotch Venturer Unit has had a busy month, with many different activities. We kicked off the term with a night at Dark Zone, where we chased each other with laser guns trying

to 'tag' as many people as possible.

This activity attracted some new members, and our unit currently has fourteen members.

Over the past few weeks, several members have completed award scheme activities.

Dave went on a leadership course, and Michael completed a St. John's ambulance course. Not to be forgotten is Ned Letcher,

of year 12, who was presented his Queen's Scout award, bringing an end to a fine career in Venturing. This is the highest award a Venturer can earn, and is recognised by employers worldwide.

We have also held our annual video games night, as well as welcoming our new members and doing some canoe maintenance. In the following weeks we are building a Billy cart, to be raced at

Vic Gathering, an event in Yea, which regularly draws 900 Venturers from across the state.

After the exam period, we are running a weekend for the Scouts of Boroondara at Gilwell Park, Gembrook. This camp, known as the Big Bludge, will also be attended by Scouts from our own 1st Hawthorn Troop.

The 1st Hawthorn Venturer Unit meets on Friday nights, between 6:30 and 9:30.

Anyone interested in joining should speak to Luke (Year 10) or Jono (Year 11), or drop in to the Hut any lunchtime.