Maidstone’s John Wightwick planned to help out with Scouts for a few years.
More than three decades later, he has received an OAM for service to youth through the Scouts.
District Commissioner of Kariwara District since 2012, Mr Wightwick is also leader in charge of 2nd Footscray Scout Group in West Footscray.
He has previously been a leader at 4th Altona and 1st Laverton Scout groups.
“I started with Scouts 33 years ago because my eldest son decided to join Cubs,“ Mr Wightwick said.
“I thought, I’ll stay for three years.
“I stayed on.“
Mr Wightwick said his whole family had become involved in Scouts, which benefited youth and adults alike.
“I guess, Scouts for me is just an amazing organisation,“ he said.
“The youth learn so much in Scouting because they learn all sorts of life skills.
“We do all the traditional things, all the things that people imagine Scouts do – tie knots and all that sort of stuff; we’re very much about the outdoors, we’re very much about the environment – but very, very importantly for youth is that they learn teamwork, they learn leadership, and it’s just amazing to see people grow.
“They’ll come in maybe as a Joey or a Cub Scout and to see them grow, develop – it’s just amazing.
“Statistically, youth that join Scouts are less likely to get into strife, basically, because they’re doing something, they’re interested, they’ve got things to look forward to and it’s healthy outdoor [pursuits].
“What I’ve learnt with Scouting is extraordinary.
“… We’re doing it for the youth but the side benefit is that personally you get a lot out of it as well.“
