Wakatipu Scout Group leader Simon Brackstone has been a mentor to hundreds of young people in his 13 years as a volunteer.
"I like to think somehow I have been a mentor and made a difference in children's lives. I remember the influences mentors had on my life and hope I can be like that for others," he said.
"For me, Scouting is about serving the community and teaching young people good life skills.
"It is about giving kids good experience and creating good citizens.
"Kids who come through scouting are mature, well-rounded and good, caring citizens. People who are involved in sports or other activities and less likely to go off the rails into drugs and alcohol. It gives them a focus other than the social peer pressure," he said.
By day he is a consultant project manager in the construction industry but in his spare time he is one of seven leaders in the Wakatipu Scout Group, leading 40 girls and boys aged between 7 and 14 at a new den at Frankton Marina.
He was a scout himself from the age of 7 to 17 but became a cub leader 13 years ago when his three sons joined the Scouts.
His son, Eden, is now also a leader.
He helped set up the Arrowtown Scout Group about five years ago and is giving support to leaders setting up a group in Cromwell.
Scouting has been in New Zealand for 100 years and there are 16,000 scouts today.
"There was a decline in Scouting, but its on the way back up now. Scouting New Zealand has a goal to increase the numbers to 25,000 by 2015," Mr Brackstone said.
The leader to scout ratio must not exceed 1:6 and all leaders must be vetted by the police.
"We need more leaders in Wakatipu but we don't want to have too many so that we dilute the quality of the programme. Smaller groups produce really good results," he said.
The Wakatipu group has 40 members, the Arrowtown group 60 and a waiting list of 40, he said.
"Wearing a scarf was seen as a geeky thing to do, but now kids want to wear the uniform and be proud of it. They want to be part of an organisation and it gives them a sense of identity and belonging in the community," he said.
Badges and awards are very popular.
"Achieving a chief scout award is one of the highest awards you can get. It is recognised by employers because it shows you are honest, reliable and have integrity," he said.
Scouting today still carries some of the traditions and protocols from its origins.
• If you know of anyone who volunteers around Wakatipu, contact us at queenstown@odt.co.nz
