Name: Nick Geoghegan
Role in Scouts: Venturer Scout Leader
Day Job: Program Coordinator in the NSW Government
Hobbies and Interests: I love the outdoors - hiking, kayaking and canyoning.
Favourite moment in Scouting: Amazing moments happen all the time. A few weeks ago we were canoeing at the lake. One of our smallest Cubs ended up in a canoe on her own after her companions took a break on the pontoon. It was windy and she was struggling being blown to the side of the lake. We were watching her but busy with other kids. With a lot of effort she managed to get control and paddle the 5 man canoe herself over to the shore. She was upset but we congratulated her strongly on the feat. Last week she got back in the canoe and we put her in charge of a group of Joeys. She was very proud to guide them around the lake. It was a privilege to share that with her.
What inspired you to work with youth members? It's great fun and I get huge satisfaction from seeing youth overcoming challenges and becoming confident engaged kids.
What key thing has a youth member said to you that has stayed with you? "I know a song that will stick in your head, stick in your head, stick in your head. I know a song that will stick..."
Why did you become a Youth Safe Advocate? Nothing is more important than the safety of the kids entrusted in us. I wanted to learn as much as I could to ensure our kids are protected and know that Scouts is a safe place.
Why is the Youth Safe Advocate scheme important for Scouts NSW? It reinforces the structures that are in place to protect our youth and gives us skills and knowledge to add to those with best practices from across the community.
What is the key message you would everyone to remember about the Youth Safe Advocate scheme? The safety of our youth is everyone's responsibility. Acting with safety in mind in the smallest situations lays the foundation to prevent the worst scenarios.
