Rover Scouts build on shared skills

Cameron Randles (rear), with some young members of the scouting community enjoying work completed by Rover Scouts. Photo Lewis Gardner

The Stewart Rover Scouts are a relatively new group in the region looking to build their membership.

Assistant Crew Leader Cameron Randles says the Rover Scouts are about service, social activities and self development.

"All our current members have been in Scouts but that is not an essential criterion for membership," he says.

"Anyone in the 18-24 age group who would like to learn some new skills, make friends and share their own skills is very welcome," he says.

The Stewart Rover Scouts spent last weekend at their home base of Fairbrother Lodge at Scoutlands Kaitoke, where there was a camp on.

As well as leading young Scouts, Cubs and Brownies rafting on the lake, the Rovers had built a fence at the top of a waterslide.

"We have use of the lodge whenever we need it and in exchange, we help the caretaker out by trimming trees and doing a bit of maintenance," says Mr Randles.

The current Rover Scout crew come from around Manawatu and Taranaki with St John Scout leader Rob Knight the only Whanganui-based member.

"We would really like more Whanganui people to join and we can offer new members fun and friendship alongside the skill building side of things."

Mr Randles said he recently ran a scarf-making workshop for his fellow Rovers.

"My mother is a quilter and I have learned those skills from her and I also know about tree maintenance so I have shared that as well," he says.

"Crew members list things they want to learn and, if another crew member has the skill, that's great, but if not we'll find someone who can teach it."

He says there are fun, social outings to be shared and encourages anyone interested to call him on 0221990243.