Historic club: Greystanes Scout Group leader Charles Yendle (pictured) passes on his experience to the next generation of Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts. Picture: Gene Ramirez
1ST Greystanes Scout Group will celebrate its 60th anniversary next month in South Wentworthville.
The historic club formed in 1953 following the national jamboree in Greystanes which was the first time an event of its kind had been held in Holroyd.
Current Scout Group leader Charles Yendle attended the Greystanes jamboree as a 16-year-old and has remained an active movement member ever since.
"[At the time] I was a member with the Lavender Bay Scout Group and I remember travelling to the jamboree hanging off the side of a pick-up truck," Mr Yendle said.
"The area was very rural back then and it was my job to perform nightly comedy skits."
Mr Yendle later transferred to Merrylands Scout Group and three years ago linked up with 1st Greystanes Scout Group.
Entering his 58th year of membership, Mr Yendle said he loves teaching children life skills.
"Two years ago I met one of my former Scouts who ended up joining the army," he said.
"He told me the Scouts gave him all the basic skills he needed to join the army such as camping, compass navigating and knot-tying."
Another Greystanes club member to forge a career with Scouts is Julie Overton, who says the movement is a family activity.
"My son Josh is a Scout and after 20 years away I've returned to be an instructor," Ms Overton said.
■ 1st Greystanes Scout Group will celebrate their 60th anniversary on March 10, Hampden Road, South Wentworthville. Past members are urged to attend with any memorabilia. Details: 0413 295 242.