By Ewen McRae
With 170 members, the 1st Caroline Springs Scouts are thriving – in no small part due to the work of their leaders, five of whom have received service recognition awards from Scouts Victoria.
Karen Sant, Trudie Sanders Ross, Brenden McLean and Brad Pemberton received a Special Service medal, while Cub leader Carl Mouser received a meritorious service award.
Mr Mouser said it was satisfying to be recognised.
“As volunteers, we’re putting in our own time so it is nice to get noticed, but it’s obviously not why we do it,” he said.
“My daughter came along with a friend, and when I saw how much fun she was having I thought I should have some fun as well, so I started on the committee and then became a leader nearly 10 years ago.”
Ms Sant said watching the kids grow was the biggest reward.
“Scouts is like a second family for all of us so we enjoy coming down here to help them out,” she said.
Ms Sanders Ross said the way Scouts accepted all comers was one of its greatest assets.
“The kids that come to scouting might not always fit in everywhere else, but they can fit in here, be themselves and challenge themselves,” she said.
