By Ann Marie
THE Ould family is somewhat like a mini royal family of the district’s scouting movement.
Matriarch Lesley Ould, 65, has been the 2nd Laverton Scout Group’s troop leader, or Akela, for 38 years.
Her five boys and one girl all moved through the cub and scout ranks, and seven of her 12 grandchildren are now involved.
One of those grandkids, 14-year-old Braidy, is in England, representing Victoria at a scout youth forum.
He will also be the poster boy promoting an international jamboree, that will draw thousands of scouts from around the world to Sydney in 2010.
“I’m one of those silly people who believe my kids shouldn’t be in anything unless I am too,” she said.
The Scout Association may be celebrating its 100th year in Australia this year, but its focus on old-fashioned values such as honesty, good deeds, loyalty and bravery had never gone out of style, she said.
“We need to compete with other organisations these days for kids’ time, but there’s nothing quite like the scouts.”
After all, where else can you learn to sew your own dilly bag, cook your own meals, or camp out under the stars?
When her troop met last week to celebrate the national centenary amid poppers and balloons, they were joined by past members, many of whom had also sent their children through the ranks.
“This may be an older community now, but it gives me the greatest sense of accomplishment to see former scouts bringing their kids in to start the cycle again,” said Lesley, who has called Laverton home for 43 years.
That multi-generation tradition is not unusual, she said.
“I’m probably the longest serving scout leader in this area, but there are plenty in other districts. Once you get into it, it becomes like a family.”
And just like any family, there are good times and bad.
Her 20-member group recently collected $300 worth of cans to help send junior members to a “cubaree” next year near Healesville.
But a heartless thief stole both the cans and the trailer they were stored in during the school holidays.
“It’s a damn nuisance, but we’ll start again,” she said.
“That’s the scouts’ way.”
The 2nd Laverton Scout Group meets every Thursday at 7pm at the Laurie Emins Reserve on Sayers Rd, Laverton.
