At the end of the day, if you see someone smile, you know you've done a good job.
- Sue Smith
Three district scout leaders recognised for more than a century of service say watching young people blossom has been its own reward.
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Howlong's Sheryl Pitman, Graham Smith and Sue Smith, both of Albury and not related, have been awarded the Silver Koala, which is given for distinguished service to Scouts Australia in a leadership role for more than 14 years.
In all three cases, much more than 14 years.
Mr Smith, of 2nd Albury Scout Group, started as a parent helper when his children joined scouting in the mid 1990s while 1st Albury Scout Group's Mrs Smith also became involved three decades ago through family links.
Two more Murray Billabong district scout leaders received awards earlier this month, with 1st Lavington cub scout leader Willfred Sanders-Berg given the Silver Wattle for more than 10 years of service and Ettamogah venturer leader Anthony Cook a Meritorious Service Award in recognition of more than six years.
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Mrs Smith said she valued the friendships made through scouting and seeing youth members develop.
"They can start from being that little shy kid in the corner to being self-sufficient, doing things for themselves, things that they don't get to do at home," she said.
"You get to see something special in every kid.
"What you get back is more than what you're giving.
"At the end of the day, if you see someone smile, you know you've done a good job."
Mrs Pitman has led generations of cub scouts and also trained other leaders.
"The enthusiasm of the new leaders rubs off on you and it just renews your own enthusiasm," she said.
"It's an honour to have met all the young cubs and been part of their lives.
"And if I've helped one, over all those years, then I've done my job, haven't I?"
Mr Smith said leaders didn't look for awards but rather wanted to help others.
"You're there not so much for your own gain it's for what you can give back to the community," he said.
"And young people keep you young at heart.
"You think, 'Oh well, I might retire shortly', but then a new crop of young ones come along and you see them achieve the best they can and it sort of keeps you inspired."
