The Scouting movement in Australia has undergone a sweep of changes over the years but there are some things that still stay the same.
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Taking part this year in Job Scout Week, formerly known as Bob-A-Job Week which allows the Scouts to move around the community and perform odd jobs as a fundraising exercise, are Raymond Terrace Scouting Group. [It is understood that other Port Stephens Scout groups are also participating in Job Week].
"Yes, the name has changed - in actual fact it should be referred to as Job Scout Month - but the concept remains the same," says Raymond Terrace longtime group leader John Doyle.
"Between now and mid-July our Scout members will be getting out into the community performing odd jobs, household chores, such as raking leaves and sweeping, window cleaning, gardening, weeding, and small painting jobs, for a donation.
"Al;l the money raised will go towards some of the more expensive items required by our Scout group, such as camping equipment, art and craft kits and cooking items."
Eight-year-old Grahamstown Public student Ivy Morrison said she was looking forward to taking part in her first job week event.
"I think it [the chores] will be a lot of fun, just like Scouts. My favourite part is cooking," said Ivy.
Siblings Jasmine, 12, and John Dent, 10, students of Raymond Terrace Public, say they enjoy the freedom the Scouts provides and the many and varied activities available each week.
"The Scouts give me a lot more freedom and I think the jobs will be a lot of fun," said Jasmine.
Once boasting more than 100 members, Raymond Terrace Scouts is always on the lookout for new members to join the Joeys (6-8 years of age), Cubs (8-11 years), Scouts (11-15 years), Venturers (15-18 years) and adult youth (18-26 years).
In addition to camping, art, craft and cooking, other activities include fishing and water activities.
To book a job over the next month John Doyle can be contacted on 0412 539 200.
Scout Job Week, which has been running for nearly 70 years, is also a fantastic opportunity for Scouts and members of the community to interact and support each other. Each young person who gets involved also earns their own reward.
