Julie Bennell (Barloo)

Meet Julie

I became a Cub Leader when my son was nearly 8 and when I enrolled him, they needed more leaders in the Cub section. As my dad had been a leader in NSW when I was a baby, I thought I would give it a go. I’m still passionate about Cub Scouts.

Fast forward 30 yrs and I’m still enjoying the comradery of scouting, learning new skills, making new friends. I get a buzz when at the checkout and a tall lad or lass looks down at me and says, ‘is that you Barloo?’ I have an advantage as they wear a name tag. Yes ‘Michael it is Barloo, what are you up to?’ And they tell me about how they enjoyed scouting and what they are doing now.

Over the years I’ve helped run or support Joeys, Scouts, Venturers, Den hiring and Group Leader roll, worked with some amazing leaders who have taught me skills for life. Helped ‘too many to count’ Cubs earn Yellow Cords and Grey Wolf awards, and seen so many cubs learn to do their best and work towards goals.

I’ve had some amazing and challenging experiences including 2 Cuborees, 3 Australian Scout Jamborees, 1 International NZ Jamboree, taking a visiting scout Ted-E-Bear around SE Qld, cub leadership courses, district camps, cub camps, air activities, outings and adventurers. Each has been different and challenging.

Fond memories including hiking to the top of Mt England, making rope for 10 days in NSW Jamboree, Joining the Circus in the Jamboree at Elmore Victoria and rafting on the after tour of the NZ Jamboree.

Over the years I’ve worn 3 different uniforms (2 Khaki styles and current Blue), seen 3 changes in the Scout Program including the major change in 2020.

Yours in Scouting,

Julie