8th Carlton Scout Group

South Leeds and Morley District, Central Yorkshire County

8th Carlton Cub Pack has a new Akela

4 September 2014

On Thursday, 4th September – the first meeting of the Autumn Term – the 8th Carlton Scout Group Cub Section got a new Section Leader, traditionally called “Akela“.

In Cub Scout packs, Akela is a symbol of wisdom, authority, and leadership. Akela is anyone who acts as a leader to the Scout. Akela can be a Cubmaster, Den Leader, parent or teacher depending on where the guidance takes place. In den meetings, it is the Den Leader who is Akela. During pack meetings it is the Cubmaster. At home, the parents fill this role.Wikipedia, The Jungle Book and Scouting

Slightly out of tradition though the new Section Leader is perhaps better know by another name… “Ziggy”!

Helen, who has been Akela for the last several YEARS and has done an absolutely amazing job. Indeed the Cub Section is in a great place and has a strong team of Assistant Leaders all working together to provide a fun and interesting Programme for the Section.

100903-nl-leatherakela So it is with slight intrepidation that Ziggy picks up the mantle and takes the “Akela” name badge. Those are some big shoes to fill to carry on and the bar has been set to a high standard!

But what is Helen going to do? Is she going to go off into a nice quite retirement to that place where all great Akela’s go? That beach on a remote island flowing with wine, great books to read in the peace and quiet and where your every need is catered for? Oops… perhaps we shouldn’t put that thought in her mind…! (Besides, you’d be bored, Helen!)

Well you all heard her say “I’ll still be here and still helping out…” 🙂 (Ziggy is very relieved!). Helen is going to be known as the Jungle Book name, “Raksha” and, though starting to take a back seat, will still be offering her “wisdom, authority and leadership as a Leader to the Scouts” at 8th Carlton Scout Group.

And so the Great Scouting Adventure continues…