Simply amazing, Scout’s honour!

By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM scout leader Lyn Stephenson has indulged her passion since 1 April 1968 and still approaches her pursuit with as much gusto as when she began.
Her crowning glory came in October when she was presented with scouting’s secondhighest honour, the Silver Emu.
“That was one of the most amazing things. I didn’t expect to be awarded it,” Ms Stephenson, 60, said.
“It was very much an honour. You don’t expect awards; you do it for enjoyment and the kids.”
Her introduction to scouts came through her sister and future brotherinlaw, who were already involved in the activity and required further help.
Ms Stephenson stepped into the breach and has garnered such respect that she now teaches individuals the skills required in becoming a scout leader.
“The principle of scouting is to become a good citizen and also to be physically and mentally challenged,” she said.
“[It’s also about] being a good kid and knowing what’s right and wrong.”
Ms Stephenson devotes between 15 and 20 hours per week towards her love and she believes that scouting is extremely beneficial.
“It is a great activity for all ages. Kids don’t really understand that they’re learning lifestyle skills. They don’t normally learn them until they’re older,” she said.
“You make friends in scouting that you continue for all of your life.”
It was a natural progression for her, as along with her sister and brotherinlaw, her father, Murray Giles, and his brothers were heavily involved in scouts, and opened the first scout hall in Pakenham.
Ms Stephenson’s contribution to the district does not end with scouts, as she is also involved in the Cardinia Civic Concert Band, she is the president of the Pakenham Probus Club and a pivotal member of Pakenham Red Cross.
Her tireless work resulted in her being awarded the Cardinia Citizen of the Year in 2005, but one achievement will stand alone when it occurs late next month.
“My son, Michael, is living in NSW at the moment, and his first baby is coming at the end of January, so I’ll be a grandmother!” Ms Stephenson said.
“That’ll be the best thing out of it all.”