Carol Cope has been recognised for her exceptional service to Scouting by receiving a Silver Kangaroo Award.
Having previously been recognised with a Silver Emu in 2008, Carol has continued her excellent service to Scouting at State, Region and Group levels.
Carol said she was “truly honoured” to be recognised in this way and admitted that the joy she gets from helping the youth of Australia is rewarding enough as it is.
She said: “I’ve been around for a long time and I do it for the love of the job. It’s never been about awards but it’s certainly very special.
“I’m with the Joey section now which is brand new for me, but it’s so rewarding. This is like a hobby for me, I enjoy every bit of it.
“I love the work I do, the people I’ve met and the variety of the role, it’s never repetitive. I’ve met friends for life and I’ve travelled overseas with Scouts, but I’m back at grassroots level now and I love it.”
The 74-year-old has a long history with the organisation and has taken on a number of different roles over the years.
In 2010 she transferred her appointment to Assistant Branch Commissioner International before taking on the main role in 2014.
Carol decided to return to Greater Western Sydney in 2016 and accepted the new position of Regional Commissioner (Member Support). She set up a team who are sympathetic to the needs of the youth and leaders and this has proved to be an important addition to the Region Teams.
When she was approached by 2nd Castle Hill Scout Group for help as they had youth and leader problems, Carol rolled up her sleeves and set about to improve the group.
In the past couple of years, she has been responsible for an increase of numbers in the Joey Scout Mob from the section almost closing to fifteen members. She has also recruited a new Joey Scout Leader and a Group Leader.
As if she is not busy enough, Carol is a Committee Member of the NSW State International Friendship Team, a Training Commissioner and a National Assessor, a Youth Safety Advocate and a Formation Reporting Officer for Scoutlink.
Carol has no plans to slow down now either, and believes Scouting still plays a crucial role in the lives of children today.
She explained: “It’s clear Scouts is still huge in the community. I think parents often see that their kids might be lacking in various social skills and there is no better place to address that than Scouts.
“Scouts contributes so much to young people, today just as it always has. It offers an incredible platform for kids to get out and explore and have fun and it’s so inexpensive too.
“There will always be challenges to overcome but that’s where people’s hard work and dedication comes in handy!”
Massive congratulations to Carol from all at Scouts NSW!
