In a time where almost anything can be done online, one might think that organisations such as Scouts and Girl Guides would fly under the radar when it comes to after school activities. But, although not quite as popular as their peak in the 1970s, it seems that COVID-19 has put the two on an upward stride.
Since the official beginning of the movement in 1908, Scouts has been known as an organisation which uses practical activities to build skills such as communication and leadership.
With the incoming of technology, it was inevitable that the appeal of Scouts would diminish. However, according to former Scouts mum and current City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Donna Davis, the value of these learned skills has not.
“The biggest thing that it does is it helps them build confidence, it’s a really big confidence builder,” she said.
“It gives children or youth the opportunity to experience things outside their comfort zone, whether it’s abseiling, or performing on stage, or going on a hike – doing activities that they may never have had an opportunity to do within school or with their family.
“In this modern day, when children or youths are so easily absorbed in social media and gaming and more isolating activities, it’s so important that they are encouraged to be exposed to other activities.”
Something that has helped to cement Scouts as a constant is their open-mindedness about technology, said Bel Francis, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Scouts NSW, who instead of seeing it as the “insidious invasion” that many parents do, has opted to work alongside it.
“What we’re finding is that there are a lot of mums and dads who are saying, ‘I just want my children out from behind their screens’, which they do, and Scouts certainly provides opportunities for that to happen, but it also allows for our young people to see that there is a greater ability or variety in connecting or communicating away from their phones and social media,” she said.
“From a parent’s point of view, it’s a much healthier way to interact with each other, and from our Scouts point of view, our children that are in Scouts, it shows them that they can still continue to have that, and probably a more exciting way of connecting with their peers.”
However, throughout its many years of operation, Scouts has seen little change to its core values. This means that many former Scouts, like Winston Hills Scout Group Leader Shane Selwood, have later encouraged their children to get involved as well.
“I knew what I got out of scouting, and I hoped that they would get the same out of it, and they have, which is, as a parent, great to see,” he said.
“It’s great to see your kids just enjoy something, and be passionate about something, and you don’t drag them along, they want to go.
“It’s all about you being your best, and helping other people, and doing what’s right – being a good person basically – and I think any organisation that pushes that message is a really good organisation to be a part of.”
After two years spent in lockdown, Mr Selwood has seen firsthand an increase in interest in Scouts.
“But, we’ve seen a spike at the start of this year of enquiries and new members, which is great,” he said.
“A lot of groups have got waiting lists because they have had a massive influx of enquiries with parents just wanting to get their kids back out and engaged in society again after being in lockdown for so long.”
This has been much the same for their sister organisation, Girl Guides, which has also seen a spike in interest since the pandemic.
Membership Advisor Debbie Pabian believes that what parents are looking for their children to get out of Girl Guides are the connections that they’re able to make in an all-girl environment, allowing them to feel empowered.
“You have the opportunity to build lifelong friendships. I still have girls and leaders that I met when I was young, and girls that were my guides, that still keep in contact with each other,” she said.
“It’s a non-competitive, all-girl environment, and I think that’s what a lot of parents are looking for.”
For more information on Scouts, visit nsw.scouts.com.au. For details on Girl Guides, visit http://www.girlguides.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.