It's a world renowned youth organisation that has a long and proud history in Lismore, dating back to 1917.

1st Lismore Scouts has just started for the year and there are still some places left in Joeys, Cubs and Scouts – the three age groups currently on offer.

Leanne Thompson, Secretary and Parent Support Group Committee member says there has been an overwhelming response from the local community to the Scouts facebook page and the level of interest seems to be growing.

“People and parents are looking for alternatives that are not technology driven...getting back to basics with things likes tying knots...going on camps.”

The fun is not all for kids either. Scouts is always keen to find willing adult volunteers who can commit up to two hours a week during school terms and enjoy some free training to become a Leader.

Scouting is a great way for families to participate in new adventures and activities together – parents, siblings, grandparents or other relatives can add so much to a child's experience of Scouting. It doesn't matter whether you are an old hand or completely new to Scouting.

Leanne says “we're always open to new recruits, particularly now Joeys are back after being recessed for 3 years.”

Scouting started in England in 1907 and in Australia in 1908.

(Scouts to the rescue during the 1917 flood)

The Lismore Scout Troop was registered in 1917 and Cub Scouts started here around 1920, though rumour has it that scouts started meeting long before that, even by 1909.

According to The Log of the 1st Lismore Troop by Eileen Grey, Lismore Scouts formed a guard of honour for the civic reception of the then Governor, Sir Walter Davidson when he came to visit Lismore.

He was so pleased with the rescue work done by the senior scouts during several floods, and their fundraising for WWI troops comfort fund that he gave the troop the honour of being "his own troop", and it is still named, "1st Lismore, Sir Walter Davidson's Own".

From forming a guard of honour for the Queen's visit to Lismore in 1954 to marching in Anzac Day parades and doing valuable Landcare work, the 1st Lismore Scout Group has a long history of community involvement which continues today.

They are still located in the original clubhouse on Magellan Street which has been updated in recent years with support from a government grant. Group Leader Nigel Watts has done a lot of work in maintaining the space internally.

The Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell, was born in England in 1857. He lived a busy and adventurous life and, as a boy, spent much of his spare time in open-air pursuits, hunting in the woods, and joining his brothers in expeditions by land and in their boats.

His first introduction to scouting skills was through stalking and cooking game while avoiding teachers in the nearby woods, which were strictly out-of-bounds. This was how he developed his powers of observation and resourcefulness, which helped him to acquire many useful skills.

Scouting has spread around the world and is currently active in over 216 countries with more than 26,000,000 members.

The Scouting movement has survived the two World Wars, sweeping social events and the challenges of other influences, to become stronger than ever. It does this by placing the needs of young people first in a program that adapts to change.

As Leanne points out “the kids learn lessons that parents can't necessarily teach...and all the volunteer leaders are so patient and caring.”

Active Kids Vouchers are welcome to use for the program and there is a free trial available for families to experience before committing to the term.

"Try to leave this world a little better than you found it”

Lord Baden-Powell