After 29 years Merimbula Scouts say farewell to leader

After joining 1st Merimbula Scouts in 1992 Jim Clark has finally called it a day. Long standing committee chairperson Ann Jones gave a beautiful speech and Jim was farewelled into retirement.

Jim has been an enthusiastic, illustrious, intrepid and industrious scout leader and group leader.

Read more:

Jim's journey with Scouts full of fun

Jim's life of community service

In thanking Jim for his many years with Merimbula, Ann said that although Merimbula was just a very small part of the Scouting movement, the group had been "important in the development and growth of our children".

"My experience with our scout leaders, is that they have all been 'big kids' at heart. Who in their right mind would turn up week after week to organise activities, teach practical and life skills, offer experiences in surviving the great outdoors, helping to build resilience to our young, noisy, excited bundles of joy," Ann said.

She said that Scouts offered kids the chance to participate in many outdoor activities, some of which they might not normally have the opportunity to enjoy.

"We thank you for your patience, endeavouring to make sure that each child gets as much out of Scouts as they can but importantly that they stay in one piece whilst having a hell of a time," Ann said before wishing Jim a happy retirement from Scouting.

Sadly it is indeed the end of an era with 1^st no longer able to continue through lack of leaders.

Ann said that the committee had to resign all Scouts and Venturers from Scouts NSW.

However the committee is "hanging on" because there is the chance that a Cub group might be possible later this year as there is someone moving into the area who is interested in running a group.