WALLY Hopkins, Dennis Brooks and Barry Armstrong have collectively amassed 201 scouting years but they still look upon the hobby with boyish charm.

And as the Kariwara District – which encompasses the 10 scouting groups in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay – gears up to celebrate 100 years of scouting in the West, it’s as good a time as ever for a trip down memory lane.

The 1st Footscray Scouts Group, which started up in 1908 but was officially launched on 9 September 1909, was the first Scouts group to start in the West and triggered the start of 30 groups within the following 18 months.

The 1st Footscray Scouts ceased in 1984.

Arch Hoadley, who was the founding principal of Footscray Tech, was one of the first scout leaders and later went on to become Chief Commissioner of the Baden Powell Lodge.

Wally, who started up in 1935, is one of the West’s longest serving scouts and is still an active member today.

During World War II, a 15-year-old Wally became one of the youngest Acting Scout Leaders ever while the adults went off to fight in the war.

Nearly 80 scouts from 1st Footscray served in World War II.

“If it wasn’t for him, the club would have closed down,” Barry said.

Barry joined up in 1943 and Dennis in 1948.

Between them, Barry and Wally have both received the Silver Kangaroo – the highest reward in scouting – and were later recognised with Order of Australia medals.

Dennis and Barry became Queen Scouts, the highest youth award available.

The trio now work to preserve Scouting history and to nurture yet another generation of Scouts.

“Our main aim is to try and get the kids to think about the outdoors and increase their own skills in doing things and playing games and thinking,” Barry said.

The Kariwara District will celebrate 100 years of Scouting in the West with Scout Own at a local church, a reunion dinner at Yarraville Club and a family fun day in a local park with free scouting games.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a scout leader in the Kariwara District can call 9317 7514.