Scouts are out and about to find King and Queen Scouts for the organisation's centenary celebrations. Enthusiast Ross Blayney is researching the history of Scouting in Northland for a book which will mark the last 100 years of the Scouting movement in the region. He is looking for people who have beenawarded the highest honour in Scouting, a King or Queen Scout award. It is planned to release the book in time for the celebrations in August, which will feature the unveiling of a garden and a memorial in Whangarei. There will also be a rally with a flag-raising ceremony at Waitangi. Mr Blayney has information on 66 Queen Scouts but only five King Scouts, so far. King Scouts received their award before the 1953 accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then it has been known as the Queen's award. England was where the Scout movement began, in 1907 and the first record of the movement in Northland, was in Dargaville in 1909. "It filled a big need. There wasn't really anything that was adventuresome and had an element of fun," Mr Blayney said. He said Scouts gained self-reliance and confidence and learned to set goals and work toward them. "Kids love that sense of knowing they can look after themselves with just their brain and their hands." But Mr Blayney said relatively few Scouts received the highest award. Working toward the King or Queen award involved concentrated work over many years in service, fitness, citizenship and self-development before the candidate's 19th birthday. The award is presented by the King or Queen if they are in New Zealand or more usually by their representative, the Governor General. • If you have any information about King or Queen Scouts in Northland, contact Ross Blayney 021 164 0482 or email rosslucy@snap.net.nz .
