Name: Carol Cope
Role in Scouts: Regional Commissioner GWS Member Support and Leader Trainer
Day Job: Part time work with HSC students as well as working on Federal, State and Council elections
Hobbies and Interests: Acting Joey Scout Leader, table tennis, crosswords, sewing
Favourite moment in Scouting: Going to Vanuatu and working with the Vanuatu Scout Association to train their leaders. This enabled them to re establish their scouting links throughout all their islands.
What inspired you to work with youth members? My own children joined both Guides and Scouts and there was a natural progression from being a parent helper to becoming a Cub Scout Leader. Seeing the youths grow from shy 8 year olds to confident 11 years old was very rewarding. To see my own children who are now grown up admitting they learnt a lot from their time in the Movement makes me happy that I chose to work with them throughout their adventure. My time on the training team also inspired me to work in other training roles throughout my life.
What key thing has a youth member said to you that has stayed with you? "Thank you for your support."
Why did you become a Youth Safe Advocate? I see this role as a extension of my Member Support role to ensure that all members have the opportunity to enjoy Scouting in a safe environment.
Why is the Youth Safe Advocate scheme important for Scouts NSW? This is a doorway to all Scouts to ensure that they are protected and feel safe when they have issues or concerns while enabling them to be aware of their rights and the rights of others. Scouts NSW will be able to better understand the safety needs of those in our care.
What is the key message you would everyone to remember about the Youth Safe Advocate scheme? The team are there to ensure that all Scouts have the opportunity to speak openly with someone who can assist them with their issues or concerns in a safe confidential environment.
