One good turn, plus 99 more

Helensburgh’s Scouts may be some of the nicest kids in the country - they do have a quota to meet after all.

The Scouts ‘100 Good Turns’ initiative encourages Scouts to do 100 nice acts for others throughout the year, and Helensburgh’s group have already put a dent in their goal.

The children are encouraged on their path of helpfulness with a small card on which to record the number of good deeds performed and a wristband which they swap to the opposite hand every time a ‘good turn’ is done.

Helensburgh Scouts Zander Smith and Caitlin Venn have been their families and schoolmates with their caring attitudes since jumping on board with the initiative.

Caitlin, who has recorded a massive 63 good turns within a matter of weeks, said she had been helping people at school carry their books and putting in extra effort around the house.

She even loaned her brother and sister some money.

Zander, who has been picking up rubbish around town and helping his brother with his homework, said people have noticed a positive change in his life.

“(People) have said I’ve been really responsible and caring,” he admitted.

Leader of 1st Helensburgh Scouts Ian Counsell said the campaign was one the group wanted to be involved in.

“It’s part of a state-wide promotion being put on by Scouts NSW for the 100 years (of Scouting) celebration and being one of the oldest scouting groups in NSW- we’re actually 93 years old- obviously we would get involved,” he said.

“Part of the Scouting motto is ‘be prepared’ but part of the ethos of Scouting is doing good turns so it’s giving us the opportunity to remind the Cubs and Scouts that part of their promise is to do good turns.”

Less than three years ago 1st Helensburgh Scouts was on the brink of closing down, but thanks to the efforts of locals they are now at full capacity with a waiting list for new members.