By Greg Pearce of 1st Austinmer Scouts

Five Scouts and one Leader from 1st Austinmer joined more than 10,000 other Scouts and Leaders from all over Australia in spending 12 days in January at the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree in Maryborough, Queensland.

The Scouts and their camping skills were put to the test: they endured rain, heat, humidity and mud, all in the name of fun.

Activities included a visit to Australia Zoo, a day in Hervey Bay participating in various water activities, and an Amazing Race around historic Maryborough Township. The Scouts also participated in countless activities on the campsite, including a commando course, abseiling, rock climbing, zip lining, mountain bike riding, esky racing (yes, you read that correctly), building electronics, several rock concerts, and many, many more. Sometimes they even had time to sleep and shower.

The Scouts had to do all of their own cooking, cleaning and washing during the camp, a steep learning curve for some!

The 18-hour coach ride home was a lot more quiet than the trip there! Some of the 1st Austinmer Scouts that attended will be lucky enough to also attend the next Australian Scout Jamboree in three years’ time.

Austinmer Scouts meets on Monday evenings at 7pm at our scout hall on Moore Street, Austinmer. Contact Steve Turner on 0409 695 575.