Venturer Scouts honoured

Two Rockingham Venturer Scouts had reason to celebrate earlier this month when they received the Queen's Scout Award, the highest honour in international youth scouting.

Chief Scout of WA Kerry Sanderson AO presented teens Emily Batka and Emma Hackett with the coveted badge at Government House in Perth in recognition of their commitment to leadership, outdoor activities, personal growth and community involvement.

Curtin University occupational health student Ms Hackett said she joined the organisation at the age of 10 and had opted to remain into adulthood for its contribution to her personal growth.

The 19-year-old Ms Hackett said she and Ms Batka had since set up the 1st Rockingham Scouts Joeys group - a first for the faction and a venture which had roused her interest in a potential career in paediatrics.

"We have both got so much out of Scouts as youth leaders that we wanted to give something back," she said.

"Our leaders have been very supportive and it's been great to be able to help them."

Ms Batka, who joined Cub Scouts when she was eight, said the pair hoped to continue giving back to the community by setting up a Rovers section - a Scouting group for young people between the ages of 18 and 25.

She said the social aspect of Scouting was amazing and solid friendships had been built while taking part in jamborees in Australia and New Zealand, sailing on the STS Leeuwin, scuba diving, on an expedition on the Bibbulmun Track, and doing environmental service in a national park koala enclosure. Venturer Scouts leader Leslie Schryver said she had watched with pride as the two women had grown from young teenagers into young adults, showing that not only did they have exuberance and energy, but also compassion and empathy.

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