By Elizabeth Hunt

In January 2025 a group of 1st Kiama Scouts and Venturers are off on an adventure of a lifetime to The Australian Jamboree in Maryborough Queensland. This will be an amazing opportunity offering our young people a range of new and exciting experiences. Held every 4 years more than 10 thousand Scouts from across Australia and the world, will meet for an action packed ten day camp, full of incredible activities. No doubt the experiences these young people will encounter will help to build strength of character and resilience which will prepare them for many challenges ahead.

Before being involved in the Scout Jamboree our Scouting group must have 

• completed 10 nights camping under canvas with the Unit or Patrol at a Scout Camp.
• must have achieved Program Essentials Milestone 1 as well as Outdoor Adventure Skills Stage 3 in Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping.

All year 1st Kiama Scouts have been involved in a range of activities that will prepare them for The Australian Jamboree 2025. These included an overnight hike from Waterfall to Heathcote Station loop learning survival skills such as hiking with a 13kg pack holding food, warm clothing, tent and cooking equipment. 

Also, participation in the two Jamborettes held at both Cataract and Bangalee Scout Camp facilities. Each Jamborette was arranged as a forerunner for what the Scouts would be required to do at the Jamboree in Maryborough 2025.  

Each troop will be responsible for setting up camping gear, preparing menus, cooking and washing own clothes and overall care of themselves and each other while attending the whole experience. 

There was always lots of opportunities to test their skills in outdoor adventures such as using a flying fox and canoeing.

Most importantly they have learned a range of bushcraft survival skills such as how to start and extinguish campfires in wet conditions, water purifying techniques, signalling and orienteering with a map. 

It has been necessary for each participant to be involved in fund raising events to help pay for the cost of being able to attend this event. Many hours have been spent holding Bunnings Sausage sizzles, cake stalls and individual market stalls.

These opportunities would not be possible without the help and dedication of our wonderful volunteer Scout Leaders Jen Hines, Debbie Gibson and Ben King as well as an army of support from parents and grandparents who work tirelessly every week to provide such a diverse and practical program of activities. 

As a parent and grandparent, it is astonishing watching how all these Scouts have demonstrated such maturity and leadership in preparation for this journey, while having fun, building friendships and appreciation of what they have achieved. To quote Lord Baden Powell the founder of Scouting

“A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room.” 

If you have a child who may be interested in joining Contact [email protected]. 

We have Cubs for ages 8 -11years on Tuesday Nights at the Scout Hall 6pm till 7:30pm. 

Scouts for ages 11- 14 years Thursday night 6:15 till 8:15pm. 

Venturer Scouts 14-18 years Thursday 6:15-8pm