Corryong and Tallangatta scout groups form as North East scouts adapt to COVID-19 restrictions

Corryong scouts ceased in 2011 owing to low numbers, but a Facebook post in April from district commissioner Ian Hall to gauge interest attracted a new generation of potential members.

Northern region commissioner for Scouts Victoria Darren Leckie, who lives in Beechworth, said the response to the isolation period post was both positive and immediate.

"Within five hours we basically had a person put their hand up to become the group leader, another couple of leaders, we had enough kids to join the group," he said.

"We've got just over 20 members already and they haven't even met face to face."

A similar campaign in Tallangatta has also been well received, although more adult support is needed.

"We've got children well and truly interested and have put their names down to start," Mr Leckie said.

"We've got the members there, we're just needing to get some leaders."

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Border and North East scout groups are just starting to resume outdoor activities in small gatherings after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

Indoor programs will return to some extent next term, depending on factors like the size of various scout halls.

Mr Leckie said the Beechworth cubs went for a walk together last week, going past buildings like the police station, hospital, Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service.

"We were outside, we kept social distancing the whole way through and they learned a little bit about their own town," he said.

"The kids got really excited to see each other face to face for the first time in a while.

"Our idea is to get people outside as much as we can but make sure we do it very safely."

During the pandemic limitations, scouting groups moved to meeting online and adapted their activities, for example camping in backyards and combining individual short walks.

"They did a five kilometre hike, being completely socially isolated, those that were in town would walk up the end of the street and back, that sort of stuff," Mr Leckie said.

"A lot of them came up with their own ideas about what they wanted to do, activities-wise."

A study conducted by Resilient Youth Australia surveyed more than 1000 scouting members aged eight to 18 years and measured their responses against existing national data for that age group.

The research indicated scouts had higher levels of life satisfaction and fared better across the three components of resilience, that is, feeling connected, protected and respected.

As one participant put it, "scouts gets me out of my head and into the world, solving problems, being brave, making friends, feeling strong and capable".

Scouts Australia chief commissioner Phil Harrison said the survey results were ground-breaking and exciting for the organisation.

"We're proud to know that the work we do for young people in our communities is helping build resilience, self-confidence and the emotional capacity to help cope during difficult times," Mr Harrison said.

Mr Leckie said the survey reflected his own observations about the benefits of scouting in teaching young people life skills and independence.

"With what's been going on, of course, at the moment, with COVID-19, with fires and all those sorts of things, they've definitely got a lot more of the resilience in dealing with it," he said.

More information about the new Corryong and Tallangatta scout groups can be found on Facebook or visit scoutsvictoria.com.au.