Celebrating the Heart of Scouting: Our Volunteers Part 2

Celebrating the Heart of Scouting: Our Volunteers

Behind every campfire story, every badge earned, and every young person 
discovering their confidence, there’s a Scout volunteer making it happen.

Volunteers are the heart of Scouting. They are the leaders who give up their 
evenings to plan engaging programs, the adults who give up weekends to run 
camps, and the mentors who quietly support young people through both success and struggle. They do it not for recognition, but because they believe in 
something bigger — a future shaped by confident, capable, and compassionate young people.

From Joeys to Rovers, Scout volunteers walk beside our youth every step of the 
way. They build shelters in the rain, cheer the loudest when a Scout overcomes a fear, and are often the last ones packing up at the end of a long event. Their 
dedication, patience, and creativity help create the safe, adventurous, and 
supportive environment where Scouts thrive.

Many of our volunteers are balancing careers, studies, families, and other 
commitments — and yet, they continue to show up. Week after week. Year after year. Their 
impact is lasting. A kind word from a Leader can stay with a young person for life. A well timed challenge can unlock a future passion. A badge earned can spark 
confidence that reaches far beyond Scouts.

To every Leader, committee member, parent helper, and behind the scenes 
organiser: thank you. You are not only building better Scouts— you’re helping build better communities.

This week, and every week, we honour and celebrate you. 

Leaders of Kennedy Region Scouts were invited to share their stories about their experiences with volunteering. Meet some of our wonderful Leaders.

Meet Jacqui "Platypus" Harton – A Scout Leader Guiding with Heart, Skill, and Resilience

For Jacqui Harton, known fondly within Scouting circles as "Platypus," volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s a way of life. Over the past 18 years, Jacqui has become a steadfast force in the movement, bringing her passion, experience, and adventurous spirit to every role she takes on.

Currently serving as a Joey, Scout, and Venturer Leader, as well as Assistant Group Leader at Loam Island Scout Group in Queensland, Jacqui’s Scouting journey has taken her across Australia — starting in Victoria at Puckapunyal Scout Group, then moving through Duntroon Campbell (ACT), 1st Darwin Sea Scouts and Palmerston (NT), and eventually to Kirwan and Loam Island in Queensland.

Along the way, she’s not only collected Scout badges but also deepened her skills, earning her Gilwell Woggle and Wood Beads, and qualifying as an Adventurous Activity Guide in canoeing, kayaking, and bushwalking, while also training in abseiling, 4WD, and water activities. Whether leading a hike, guiding a canoe trip, or assisting with high-adrenaline activities, Jacqui leads with both confidence and care.

Outside of Scouts, Jacqui is a Public Servant by profession, but her most treasured moments are spent with her family — paddle boarding, going for walks, and enjoying time with her three happy dogs. Her three sons have all been involved in Scouting, two of whom have now aged out after earning their Queen’s Scout Awards and traveling internationally to Japan, Denmark, and England through Scouting programs. Her youngest is now preparing to begin the journey from the very start — as a future Joey Scout.

What keeps Jacqui motivated after nearly two decades? "It is a special honour to contribute to the development of our young people and help guide them to achieve some of their life goals," she shares. She takes pride in supporting youth to reach their Peak Awards and discover pathways for their future.

Jacqui lives by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” And to the Scouts she mentors, she offers this reminder: “FAIL means First Attempts In Learning — not every attempt will be the right one, but keep trying.”

With leaders like Jacqui, the future of Scouting — and the young people it serves — is in inspiring hands.

Meet Chris "Panda" Drew – A Lifelong Scout Leader Who Grew Up in the Movement

For Chris Drew, known as "Panda" in the Scouting world, Scouting isn’t just something he does — it’s part of who he is.

Chris began his journey in the Pimlico/Mundingburra Scout Group at just five years old — a little early, technically, but he couldn’t wait to follow in the footsteps of his older brother. From those early days, he moved through each section, all the way to Rovers, and never really left. When he aged out at 26, he returned as a Scout Leader, ready to give back to the movement that shaped him.

Now, with over 30 years of Scouting experience, Chris continues to play a key role as a Scout Leader at Pimlico/Mundingburra and as the Acting Regional Leader for the Scout Section. His leadership extends beyond weekly meetings and camps — he's also helped deliver major events like Australian Jamborees and Ventures, putting his skills to work as part of his Diploma in Event Management and now a Diploma of Project Management.

Over the years, Chris has developed an impressive set of Scouting qualifications. He’s wood badged, and holds Technical Proficiency (TP) training in canoeing, pioneering, and 4WDing, along with being a Guide in archery, abseiling, and bushwalking. He’s now working toward additional qualifications in sailing and survival training — always learning, always growing.

Scouting runs in Chris’s blood. His whole family was involved — even their craft names tell the story. His dad was Yogi, his brother Grizzly, and his mum Boo Boo. And as if it were written in the stars, both Chris and his brother met their wives through Scouting.

Outside of Scouts, Chris runs his own electrical business, and when time allows, he enjoys martial arts — though, like many leaders, finding spare time is the biggest challenge.

When asked what keeps him motivated as a leader, Chris says it’s about the journey of the youth:

“Watching youth fail, then get back up, and then succeed. And when they do — seeing that sense of achievement is everything.”

He lives by the words of Yoda:

“Do, or do not. There is no try.”

And shares his own wisdom with young people:

“There’s only one job that starts at the top — and that’s digging a hole. You’ve always got to start at the bottom and work your way up.”

Chris believes that Scouting helped shape the person he is today.

“The skills, perseverance, and mindset that I developed through Scouting gave me a strong stepping stone into life,” he reflects. “Everyone learns differently, but I believe Scouting offers a platform where anyone can grow — no matter their starting point or weaknesses.”

For Chris, it all started with following his brother into Joeys — and now, decades later, he's the one leading the way, lighting the path for the next generation.

If you would like to discuss the various opportunities within scouting please contact Kennedy Region Scouts - contact@kennedy.scoutsqld.com.au or visit www.scoutsqld.com.au and select Enquire Now.