Elaine Walker
Beaver Scout Leader
Can you tell us about your Scouting History?
I joined scouts as a Beaver Scout Leader ten years ago when my daughter then aged 11 years declared she was not going to Guides and was moving to Scouts instead. I had become a Rainbow Guide Leader when my daughter joined at the age of 5 years and as always they needed leaders to help run the weekly meetings. When my daughter moved over to Scouts, 39th Parkwood Scout Group were looking for a Beaver Leader, my son who was 5 and would be joing Beavers within a year, made the decision for me to also move from Guides to Scouts. I moved upto Golcar Scout Group in 2001 as Assistant Beaver Scout Leader and took over the Leader role in 2003.
I enjoyed my six or so years as a Guider but get so much more out of my role as a Beaver Scout Leader.
Where is your favourite Campsite?
I have a little history with my favourite place which is Scammonden Activity Centre. My parents lived in the cottage, which is now the Activity Centre, until I was 18 months old moving out only because the dam was being built and they weren't allowed to continue living there.
What is your favourite Scouting activity?
I have a few favourite activities but especially enjoy the sausage cook outs when the Beavers helped by parents build a camp fire and reheat cooked sausages.
I also enjoy the annual Beaver and parent weekend at Scammonden Activity Centre when the parents get to know the Leaders and the Leaders get to know the parents on a social level. Over the years we have met some fantastic people that have become friends and not just the parent you pass the time of day with on a weekly basis.
What is your most memorable Scouting experience?
Visiting St James Palace when my daughter received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Duke himself. It was Christmas time and the tree was enormous and the smallest bauble was the size of a football. The Assistant Chief Scout also made a special effort to seek us out and introduce himself.
During Scoutings Centenery year I spent just over two weeks at Alton Water in Ipswich helping set up the water activities site meeting Scouts from around the world. The first day participants arrived on site we just sat there and watched coach after coach of International scouts arrive to have a great time with their chosen water activity. They could choose between sailing, dragon boating, canoes, kayaking and pirate raft building.
What food do you like?
I enjoy most foods but would choose a medium rare steak and salad given the choice.
Do you have a favourite quote?
Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today!
