The Crystal Brook Girl Guides have reached out to their local MP asking for support to have Guides and Scouts included in the State Government’s $100 sports voucher scheme.

The scheme, administered by the Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing, is open to children and youth from reception to year 9 who are eligible to receive up to $100 discount on sports and dance membership/registration fees and learn to swim programs.

Although not classified as sports organisations, the Guiding and Scouting movement provide healthy exercise and skills development in a range of activities, including many sporting disciplines.

“I have written to SA Sports Minister Corey Wingard asking him to consider the request,” Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP said.

“Part of being a Guide or a Scout is being provided with the opportunity to join in to hikes, camps, outdoor games, boating and community service activities.

“These activities all encourage healthy outdoor participation, which is what the Sports Voucher program is all about.”

Mr Brock said allowing Guides and Scouts to access the $100 vouchers would encourage more involvement, as it would help offset annual membership fees of $150 – an amount which may cause financial hardship for some families.

“I have been told that it is often the girls, for example, whose families cannot afford extra costs, who could benefit most from programmes offered by the organisation.”

Mr Brock said he fully supported the Crystal Brook Girl Guides in their request to have their organisation and that of the Scouts included in the State Government’s Sports Voucher Scheme.

“I am hopeful for a positive result from this very reasonable request,” Mr Brock said.