Where it all begin

Unlike many Scout Leaders who begin their journey in childhood, Dr. Cathy’s introduction to Scouting came later in life when her neighbour introduced her children into the Scout Movement. She was initially invited as a committee secretary and later on became a Joey Scout Leader for more than 20 years – a position she still holds today.

Her enthusiasm for leading young Joey Scouts (aged 5-7) to learn their ability to work independently and be curious to explore the world and how to be part of and work as a team in a fun and engaging environment. She highlighted the key to Joey Scouts is allowing them to explore and challenge themselves in a safe space, fostering their growth before they transition to the next level in Scouting.

Dr. Foley enjoys finding creative ways to engage the Scouts, especially in unexpected circumstances. She shared how she adapts activities when outdoor plans are disrupted by bad weather, using simple materials like toilet rolls, glue, and glitter to spark creativity.

She also introduced an unusual but valuable activity she calls “Pyromania Night,” where Joeys are taught how to handle matches safely. By allowing them to repeatedly strike matches in a controlled environment, she removes the allure of secrecy and helps learn to respect fire safety. These experiences equip young Scouts with practical life skills while reinforcing responsibility and confidence.

The Pathway to Science

Beyond Scouting, Dr. Foley has had a remarkable career in science. For 40 years, she worked with CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), rising through the ranks to become Chief Scientist of the organization. In 2021, she was appointed as Australia’s Chief Scientist, advising the government and Prime Minister on science and technology policies.

Cathy’s journey into science was driven by an innate curiosity about the world around her. Even in primary school, she found herself questioning how things worked. While she initially trained as a high school teacher, her deep interest in physics led her to specialise in materials science and quantum physics. Her career at CSIRO spanned four decades, with her work playing a pivotal role in advancing Australia’s quantum research sector.

She emphasises that science is not reserved for “Einstein’s cousins.” Rather, it is about curiosity, observation, and a willingness to learn. Her advice to young aspiring scientists?

“Follow your passion, take up as much math and science as possible in high school, and seek hands-on experiences like work placements or science forums”. says Cathy

Bridging the Gap Between Science and Scouting

Dr. Foley sees a strong connection between Scouting and science. She explains how many classic Scouting activities—such as navigation, weather prediction, and knot-tying—are rooted in scientific principles. “A classic Scouting activity – tying knots. Different knots actually have different strengths and you would find this interesting in that the number of times you turn a knot around has an exponential increase in its ability to be strong enough to not be easily come undone. Science and Scouting really come closely together.” says Cathy.

Teaching Joeys about magnetism, compasses, and the Earth’s magnetic field helps them understand the world in a hands-on way.

Although science and Scouting may seem like separate worlds, Cathy firmly believes they are interconnected. Scouting teaches practical problem-solving, environmental awareness, and critical thinking—skills essential for scientific inquiry. One of her memorable contributions to Scouting has been demonstrating physics concepts using liquid nitrogen and superconductors, sparking curiosity and excitement among young Scouts.

She acknowledges that there is a misconception that science is difficult or inaccessible. However, she believes that hands-on activities, such as citizen science projects and environmental conservation efforts, can make science approachable and engaging. Events like the 2022 Space Camp showcase the potential of merging scientific exploration with Scouting adventures.

How Scouting Enhances Leadership

Reflecting on her time in Scouts, Dr. Foley believes the movement provides exceptional leadership training. She has seen firsthand how involvement in Scouts helps people develop teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills, which in turn benefit their professional lives.

One of her past co-leaders, from a Chinese cultural background, credited Scouting with helping him understand Western leadership styles, ultimately aiding his career growth. Dr. Foley herself has benefited from the community-building aspect of Scouting, which has introduced her to people beyond her professional scientific circles.

As she takes on her new role as Vice President of Scouts Australia, Dr. Foley continues to inspire both young Scouts and adults alike, proving that science and Scouting go hand in hand in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.