Hallam’s Patricia Catt has been recognised for her contribution to the scouting movement with the presentation of the Silver Kangaroo.By Rebecca Fraser
AFTER nearly 30 years of being prepared for any challenge Hallam’s Patricia Catt has been presented with the highest award in scouting.
On Sunday the 65yearold, who has been involved in Casey’s scouting movement for 27 years, was presented with the Silver Kangaroo at Gilwell Park in Gembrook.
The award was in recognition of her service to the scouting movement.
Mrs Catt was nominated for the award and was one of four Victorians to be presented with the national award.
The current leader of the Berwick Anglican Scout group said she was absolutely thrilled with the presentation.
“It really was a very good feeling to be presented with the award.
“You do not become involved in scouting for the awards though.
“You do it because you enjoy seeing people develop and grow but it was still nice to be recognised.
“Not many women seem to get this award as it is still a fact that more men are involved in scouting than women.
“That also made things a little more special,” she said.
Mrs Catt has already been presented with the Silver Acorn and the Silver Emu and said there had been a gradual build up to her most recent award.
“I guess you could say this is the ultimate award in scouting,” she said.
The mother of two adult sons said what she enjoyed most about scouting was watching children develop into young adults.
“Seeing children develop is the best part about it.
“They start when they are about eight years old in cubs and they are shy and nervous.
“By 11 when they move onto scouts they have grown up and matured and have gained the basic skills of good citizenship.
“Two have even grown up and become leaders that has been a real thrill for me,” she said.
Mrs Catt said she had also seen the scouting movement undergo many changes over the past four decades.
“We do try to keep up with and ahead of technology as this is the way the lives of young kids are going.
“So we also try to prepare them for business life and our badge work has been adapted to include this.
“But we do still focus on other skills such as cooking so they can be selfdependent and they still learn their outdoor life skills,” she said.
She also said she would not have been able to dedicate so much time and energy to scouting if it had not been for the support of her husband Vic.
“Without him I would not have been able to do this and I really do hope to continue with scouting for as long as I can,” she said.
