Save Our Scouts and the hut

VOLUNTEERS are urgently being sought to help save Scout and Guide groups in Melbourne with fears the hut itself may have to shut Scout leaders said the Explorers unit had already had to take the “painful decision” to cease operating and will be closed down by the end of March “due to the critical shortage of leaders”

The Melbourne Scouting, Guiding, Explorers and Hut Committee say they “urgently require” new leaders and volunteers to keep going and prevent further closures

More than 400 children use the Scout & Guide Hut on Packhorse Road every week

It is also used by Puddleducks Nursery

Jane Radcliffe, who has been a Beaver leader for over 10 years, said: “Guiding and Scouting have been a big feature of Melbourne life for generations and it’s tragic to think that these highly valued opportunities for young people may have to cease if we can’t get leaders to come forward

“We do have a great team of experienced leaders across the groups who will help and support anyone new but there simply needs to be more of us to ensure that our young people and Leaders can all enjoy the experiences that Guiding and Scouting offer ”

Michelle Lewis, who runs Phoenix Rangers, said: “It s so important for us to have a facility like our hut; it means that the young people in our units can benefit from a place that really works for their needs with outdoors space that gives them the chance to run around, camp, cook, and so much more I really hope that people come forward to help keep the building committee going and give some support to the Scouts and Guides units ”