Scouts from the Riverina joined more than 10,000 of their fellow Scouts and leaders for ten days of action-packed activities.
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The Australian Scouts Jamboree is held every three years, and this year was at the Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend in South Australia
Scout leader of 1st Wagga Joe ‘Bidgee’ Mack describes Jamboree as one of the greatest experiences a young person can have.”
“It’s amazing how grown up, independent and confident each Scout becomes in just 10 days."
- Joe 'Bidgee' Mack
“It’s amazing how grown up, independent and confident each Scout becomes in just 10 days,” he said.
“They make new friends, learn responsibility for themselves, work as a team and face new challenges – all while having loads of fun.”
Mr Mack said Scouts from Wagga and across the Riverina were treated to a range of amazing opportunities and many notched up first-time experiences.
“Where else but through Scouts could you experience the adrenaline-pumping fun of ice skating – in an almost desert-like location – rifle shooting, abseiling, rock climbing, land yachting, and BMX biking to name but a few,” he said.
While the Jamboree is for Scouts aged 11-14, young people can join Scouts from as young as six years as a Joey Scout, to as old as 18-24 as a Rover.
Mr Mack said practical skills development was fostered at the Trades base.
“Scouts were able to try their hand at a range of trades including bike maintenance, automotive wiring, plumbing, woodwork, sewing and crochet, cooking, hair and beauty, and constructing solar buddy lights for children in developing countries with little or no access to electricity,” he said.
Kylie Brettschneider, Riverina Jamboree activities leader, said a Jamboree is the ultimate test of resilience, time management and teamwork, and helps foster independence in young people.
“The Scouts are woken most mornings around 5am for either breakfast duty or to pack for offsite activities,” she said.
“Each patrol is rostered on for a day to prepare food for the troop, collect the day’s supply of food from the distribution centre, and dispose of rubbish. Individual Scouts are responsible for their own washing, which is done by hand in the camp.”
Contact riv.region@nsw.scouts.com.au to find out more about Scouts in your area.