Jack Sinclair, a 15 year-old Scout from Australia is planning to ride across Australia to raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Australia. Jack and his Dad plan to make the 2800-mile trip, from Perth to Surfers Paradise, in 30 days, starting September 11, 2008.

Jack says he was inspired to do the ride after watching Scottish actor Ewan McGregor’s documentary detailing a “Long Way Round” motorcycle trip from London to New York.

“My dad (Brendon) does lots of cycling and I said to him it would be great to do what Ewan did, but across Australia,” said Jack.

Brendon’s not so convinced. “It’s all a terrible mistake – I thought he meant ride across Australia on motorbikes and I thought I had a couple of years before he got his license,” said Jack’s father Brendon.

“I’ve been trying to wiggle out of this but I gave my word – I’m 41 and just want to sit on the couch and eat pies…but he won’t let me!” said Brendon.

Brendon may joke about being out of shape and lazy but he has competed in Charity bike rides in the past. In fact it was after Brendon rode in the Sydney to Surfers Charity ride, last year, that Jack became interested in cycling.

Jack has signed on Robbie McEwen, one of the great legends of World Cycling, as the Ride Ambassador. “For a young man of just 15 years of age to undertake this huge journey with the discipline and commitment he is showing is inspiring,” said Robbie.

The father son team has already broken down the ride by day and have been working out with Chisel Fitness since October 2007. “Chris and the guys at Chisel are just fantastic and the amount of work they have put into helping us be in the right shape has been simply amazing,” says Brendon.

Jack also credits his scouting background, “Scouts really has trained me for the ride - training and doing a ride like this is about discipline, self reliance and perseverance. Helping others is also a huge part of Scouts and I hope to do that with the ride.”

They’ll be using the ride to raise funds to help continue the great work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia - the leading youth mentoring organization in Australia. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides disadvantaged young people in need of additional support and friendship, with a caring volunteer mentor and positive role model.

You can learn more about Jack, the ride, and even make a donation online at http://www.perthtoparadise.com.au.

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Through the Kohl’s Kids Who Care® scholarship program, Kohl’s provides scholarships and gift cards to recognize and reward kids who volunteer in their communities and make a difference in the lives of friends, neighbors and even strangers. From volunteering at a children’s hospital to raising money for hurricane victims, kids are using their talents and ambition to transform their hometowns into more caring communities.

To nominate a deserving Scout, between the ages 6-18, visit www.kohlskidswhocare.com. Scholarship nominations will be accepted February 1 - March 15, 2008.

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By John Gordon*

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (UMNS)–Their red shirts and caps say SEMA, but they are not to be confused with staff of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a federal organization that has been criticized for its sluggish response to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

SEMA stands for Scouting Emergency Management Assistance, a title coined by Boy Scout Troop 566, sponsored by Trinity United Methodist Church in Warner Robins, Ga.

“We’ve come here seven times now,” said Michael Hilton, 13, a member of the Georgia troop that rebuilds homes on the Mississippi Gulf coast.

SEMA’s latest project was to repair homes in D’Iberville, Miss., and to deliver $5,000 worth of equipment to the Waveland, Miss., Fire Department. Continue Reading

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