23 Sep Scouts NSW and author Susanne Gervay join forces against bullying

In the world of Cub Scouts, the message is clear: bullying has no place.

We are excited to share with you an important collaboration between Scouts NSW and renowned author Susanne Gervay aimed at educating our young Cub Scouts about bullying, its identification, and how to support those who may be facing it.

During the upcoming Cuboree 2023 event at the Cataract Activity Centre, (September 29 To October 3), which promises to be an enjoyable and enriching experience for Cub Scouts aged eight to twelve, Scouts NSW will introduce a new focus on anti-bullying efforts. As part of this initiative, Cub Scouts will receive the first two books from Susanne Gervay’s ‘I Am Jack‘ series. These books, widely respected for their approach to addressing bullying, were even adapted into an award-winning play.

The Scouts NSW Youth Protection Team has created an anti-bullying package designed to help our young members recognize various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, relational, group, and cyberbullying. This package will be presented for the first time at Cuboree in response to the growing concern of bullying within our communities.

Our Cub Scouts will actively participate in anti-bullying workshops during the event. These workshops will not only raise awareness about bullying behaviors and provide guidance on where to turn if they experience bullying but also encourage self-reflection on their own actions. Often, children may not realize that their behavior may be considered bullying, and these workshops offer an opportunity for them to understand better.

As one of the world’s leading non-formal educational movements, Scouts recognizes its unique position in delivering programs that empower children and young people with essential life skills. Your child’s safety and protection are our top priorities.

We are delighted to have the support of Susanne Gervay in this endeavor. Her ‘I Am Jack‘ series delves into the life of a boy, inspired by her own son Jamie, who faces bullying at school. Gervay is passionate about giving children a voice and believes that they, too, should have the opportunity to speak up and be heard.

Scouts NSW is committed to promoting an anti-bullying stance, not only targeting bullies but also fostering empathy among all. We invite parents and caregivers to join us in this journey, as involving parents and teachers is crucial in developing empathy and understanding in our youth. What if it were our child facing bullying? How would they feel?

We look forward to working together to create a safer, more supportive environment for our Cub Scouts, where bullying is not tolerated, and young voices are heard.
For more information on the Cuboree see Scouts NSW