THE saying goes that if you do a job you love, you’ll never feel like you’ve worked a day in your life.
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That’s the reality for Junee woman Jackie Starr, who this week celebrated 25 years with the 1st Junee Cub Scouts.
During that time she has watched hundreds of Cubs go through the Scout ranks to gain their Boomerang badges and the ultimate Cub achievement – a Grey Wolf Award.
“To see them get their awards and go ‘Oh, that’s cool’, is amazing,” Mrs Starr said.
“It does so much for their self esteem in gaining those skills for life.
“It doesn’t matter if they struggle to get their badge, what is important is that they have worked hard to achieve what they can.”
Many of the Cubs she has led have maintained contact with her and can vividly recall their camping adventures as some of the best days of their lives.
After being in the position so long, she is now even seeing some of her ex-Cub Scouts bringing in their children.
“It’s something that just gets into your blood,” she said.
“I am really proud to be a part of these kids’ lives and to give them some great memories of having fun in Scouts.”
Junee mother-of-three Sharon Muir has two of her sons in Cubs.
“I have Duncan and Lachlan in, and while my other son Liam is only six, Jackie allows him to join in because he has been itching to get involved with Cub Scouts,” she said.
Mrs Starr has had a big impact on the lives of her children.
“What is amazing is the values she teaches the boys. They learn all about supporting each other and being a part of a group,” Mrs Muir said.
“(As a leader) she is the whole package.
“She has enough authority to get the attention of the kids, but they know they always have fun with her.
“She is very approachable, they have fun while she gives them guidance.
“They love coming here.”
Mrs Starr’s love of Cubs was spurred on at a young age by jealously she felt as she watched her brothers go out on adventures.
While she could have joined Brownies or Girl Guides, Mrs Starr said there was something magical about Cub Scouts she couldn’t find anywhere else.
She wasn’t able to join as a girl, but then realised she could as a leader.
Since the age of 18, she has worked in just three locations spending most of her time with 1st Junee.
During that time she has seen many changes including badge systems and seeing girls accepted into the organisation.
First Junee will celebrate Mrs Starr’s milestone tomorrow night in a special dinner at the Junee Ex-Services Club.
