Proud to be a chip of the old block

Leschenault joey scout Thane O’Brien received a rare badge of honour when he volunteered to pick up rubbish from the banks of the Collie River last month.

Thane, 7, followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps when he joined scouts two years ago.

He has earned himself every joey badge, but is most proud of his latest achievement, where he spent four hours picking up rubbish along the Collie River foreshore as part of a Promise Challenge last month.

In conjunction with the cleanup, Thane had to document his process and research the history of scouts.

He said the challenge allowed him to improve his computer skills, but also had its problems.

“With all the rubbish I picked up, I got really dirty,” he said.

“I picked up lots of cigarette butts, cans and paper.”

Thane said he chose the Eaton foreshore for the clean-up because he wanted to help the environment and his community.

“It felt like a really long time picking up the rubbish, but it was good to do it,” he said.

The Promise Challenge badge is the highest honour a joey can earn and is the second earned by the club.

Thane’s dad, Tristan, is a section leader and has been with the club since he was eight.

He said throughout the State only about 12 promise badges were issued each year.

Mr O’Brien said he was proud of his son’s dedication to the environment and scouts.

“I am proud of his efforts and it’s great to see him follow in the family tradition,” he said.