Scout leader Richard helps out a little, but it turns into a lot

The $10,000 Westfield Local Heroes grant has been used to upgrade the Scout facilities resulting in a warmer and drier space for our indoor activities. The new lighting has made the outside area safer as the children and leaders come and go and will enable us to conduct more outdoor activities in the darker months.

Like many people, Richard was a Scout growing up and later enrolled his own children when they were a similar age. Like many parents of Scouts, he was asked to help out a bit when his own children got involved.

“I have an interest in maps and mapping, which grew when I was a Scout, so I was asked to instruct in that,” Richard says.

“Then I was asked to assist with other things.

“Before I knew it, I was training as a leader. And then it was 15 years later.”

As well as keeping track of the activities for the Keas, Cubs, Scouts and Venturer Sections of the Mt Albert St Jude's group, Richard's role includes promoting the overall growth of Scouts.

“People think of Scouting as an activity for the kids," he says.

“They are at the centre of what we do, but as an adult it’s a great way to be part of the community. "We meet so many people, from all walks of life, on equal terms.”

Many of the young people Richard has led at the Scouts have become leaders in their own right, in a wide range of endeavours across New Zealand.

“In the Scouts, we say good leadership doesn’t create followers, it creates other leaders."

Richard says being a Westfield Local Hero is a reflection of the work that all Scout leaders have done.

“It’s very kind of the community to recognise me, but it’s really the scouts that have been recognised for 90-plus years of work for the Mt Albert community.”

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here.