Behind the Work: Antti Kurki Recognised with the Pohjantähti Badge
The scout motto is “Be Prepared”. These values are with Antti Kurki around the clock. (Photo: Timo Mikkonen)
Antti Kurki, who works as a Project Engineer at Raumaster, received a distinguished honour ahead of Finland’s Independence Day, when he was awarded the Pohjantähti badge at the Rauma Scouts’ Independence Day gala. The respected honorary badge is granted in recognition of promoting cooperation and living in accordance with the values of the scouting movement.
The award came as a complete surprise to Kurki during the December gala organised by the Rauma scouting community, when he was presented with the Pohjantähti badge by The Guides and Scouts of Finland. The recognition was made particularly meaningful by the fact that the nomination had been submitted by a different scout group, Rauman Partiotytöt.
“I had absolutely no idea that anyone had applied for an award on my behalf. When the badge was mentioned, I assumed it would go to someone from Partiotytöt. I listened in disbelief as their leadership team explained how they had experienced me over the years as an important source of support and a sense of security,” Kurki says.
The local scout groups in Rauma (Tasalam Boja, Rauman Partiotytöt and Myrskypojat) work closely together, for example in organising camps and excursions. Kurki has played an important role in strengthening this cooperation.
“I have actively tried to promote collaboration and break down artificial boundaries between local associations, so that communication would be open and smooth. It was rewarding to see that this work has been seen as meaningful.”
“It’s a way of life – and when I get to know a new person, my scouting background usually comes up quite quickly,” says Antti Kurki. (Photo: Timo Mikkonen)
A counterforce to indifference
The Pohjantähti badge is an honorary distinction that reflects a strong commitment to scouting values. Active participation alone is not sufficient as recipients are expected to live according to the values also outside scouting. For this reason, an endorsement is also requested from the recipient’s employer. Kurki’s endorsement was written by his line manager, Engineering Manager Teemu Salonen.
“Key ideals include respect for others, appreciation and protection of nature, reliability, and building friendships across boundaries. As you get older, responsibility and taking initiative become increasingly important. I believe that if everyone lived by these values, the world would be a better place,” Kurki reflects.
Kurki is currently serving his eighth year as group leader, effectively the chair of the association, of the Tasalam Boja scout group. He is also the most senior of the three group leaders operating from the Rauma Scout House. As a result, scouting now involves more meetings for him than before, although he continues to participate in camps and excursions as well.
“This is my way of having an impact on society. Scouting is a counterforce to attitudes like ‘why should I?’ or ‘that’s not my responsibility’. Scouting helps raise responsible adults who think for themselves, take initiative and cope well in many areas of life.”
Built in 1938, the Rauma Scout House is located around 200 metres from Raumaster’s Nortamonkatu premises, which makes it easy for Antti Kurki to head directly from work to scout meetings. (Photo: Timo Mikkonen)
Be prepared
Kurki joined scouting at the age of eight and now has 22 years of scouting experience behind him. During that time, scouting has brought long‑lasting friendships, memorable experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
“Even as a child, I enjoyed outdoor activities, hands‑on learning and trying new things – scouting offers all of that. The scout motto is “Be Prepared”. These values are with you around the clock,” Kurki says with a smile.
