Scout leader Cade Kindness believes that Scouts fills a gap for children who may not be as interested in sport, but want an after-school program to join.
“Rochester’s always been really strong in the provision of sports-related youth activities, but that hasn’t always been the case when it comes to non-sporting options for young people,” he said.
The Rochester CFA has also recently launched a juniors program for ages 11 and over, so Mr Kindness hopes that Scouts can provide a similar non-sporting activity for younger children.
“The juniors program kicks off at 11, so coincidentally this Scouting component will cater for that younger age group, five to 11,” he said.
“It’s a real, almost complementary, coincidental arrangement.”
Scouting is not new to the area, with Rochester having had a group since 1916. From 2020, there has been a break in Scouts, due to COVID-19 and the floods.
Mr Kindess is glad to see the skills fostered through Scouting being brought back to young people in the community.
“I identified this some time ago, but with everything post-floods, other things became a priority,” he said.
“Everyone’s on the road to recovery, and I felt this would enable a better recovery for the town.
“Although the schools are doing a fantastic job, I thought perhaps there might be a little bit more that could be done outside of school hours.”
The Scout program includes activities based on the interests and needs of the young people involved.
Largely taking place outdoors, useful and service-focused skills are prioritised.
“Hard to encapsulate it with any detail except to say, ‘fun and adventure’,” Mr Kindness said.
“Launching into 2025, we’ll be engaging with the full suite of scouting activities, which will include local camps, state and interstate camps, and a whole bunch of activities.”
All children between five to seven are welcome in the Joey Scouts group, which meets on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Eight- to 11-year-olds can join the Cub Scouts, meeting on Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm.
“There are no barriers to membership, except that you meet the age requirement and that you’re keen for some fun, adventure and some challenges,” Mr Kindness said.
Mr Kindness is grateful for the support of a district Scouting group while the Rochester group gets set up.
“We’re starting from scratch, and we’ve been fortunate to be actively and passionately backed by 1st Echuca Scout Group,” he said.
“(They have) provided us with some leader support and administrative support in this transition phase into full autonomy.”
Both groups meet at the 4Rs, on the corner of Diggora Rd and the Northern Hwy, Rochester.
The first meeting is on Thursday, October 10.
For membership inquiries or questions about the 1st Rochester Scout Group, contact Cade Kindness at rochesterscouts@outlook.com
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