During my fifty one years in the Scouting movement I collected many scout badges from within Australia and overseas whilst attending numerous scouting, functions, conferences and jamborees. A number representing the groups I was connected with and others for the various positions I held over the years. A friend from the United Kingdom, Mr Peter Lofthouse who I met when I was living in Italy very kindly gave some of his badges and pennants that he had collected when he had been a scout. I’m deeply indebted to Bev who did all the hard work of layout and sewing to bring the blanket project to such an outstanding conclusion. The blanket is a contact reminder of the many happy years I enjoyed during my scouting career.
I entered the Scout Association at the age of 10 years when I joined the 6th Preston, Salvation Army group as a Cub. I spent the next 36 years involved with the Salvation Army Scouts . I was appointed as scoutmaster of 6th Preston in October 1957 on returning from the World Scout Jubilee Jamboree in UK with 34,000 other Scouts from around the world to celebrate 50 years of world Scouting and 100 years since the birth of Scoutings founder Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell . In 1969 I was appointed Territorial Scout Organiser for the Southern Territory. In addition to my service with the Salvation Army Scouts, I also served in the wider Scouting Movement for 51 years in total. In March 1965 I was appointed Assistant Area Commissioner Training with the Yarra Batman Area (local Northern Suburbs ) in addition I was later appointed as a Leader Trainer on the State Training Team. I held these positions for many years. During this period I also lived in Seymour for about five years in the early sixties being involved wth 1St Seymour Scout Group serving in the Cub, Scout Sections as well as Group Leader. I also founded a group within Scouting called The Spiritual Development Projects Committee to assist leaders with practical aids in their role of teaching Duty to God to the Movements members, which I chaired for over 25 years. I retired from Scouting in 1997 .
Badge collecting has always been a traditional activity within Scouting ,with many Scout Badge Clubs around the world. Scout Jamborees local and international is where Badge “ Swapping “ is a daily activity for collectors. My blanket collection is a significant part of my Scouting history. The wearing of a “campfire blanket “ is also a traditional part of Scouting Campfires. I was a Campfire Leader during my many years in Leader Training.
Lewis C. Tulk
9 February 2020
Updated 24 December 2022
