Scouts camp out at Heathcote

By 1st Austinmer Scouts member James Donohoe and committee chair Sam Donohoe

Most overnight Scout camps involve at least some hiking. And sometimes the hiking can be a little challenging (and rewarding!) as the Scouts haul their camping gear in their backpacks as they traverse from one campsite to another. Other times – such as this – the hiking is a little easier as the Scouts leave their camp gear behind and carry only some food and a few essentials in their day packs.

On a warm September Saturday, 1st Austinmer Scouts met at Thirroul Station to hop on a train to Heathcote and then made their way on foot to the nearby Heathcote Scout camp. There they doffed their full backpacks, set up camp, then prepared for a day hike by adding their lunches, snacks, rain jackets (just in case!) and other essentials to their packs, now repurposed as day packs.

From camp, the group set out into Heathcote National Park. They followed Friendly Trail to the aptly named Pipeline Trail (which follows a water pipeline) which they then followed as it parallels Heathcote Creek. 

Eventually they intersected with Heathcote Creek where they found a good place to settle for lunch on the creek bank by Elbow Pool. A couple of intrepid Scouts braved the frigid creek waters for a quick dip. Others explored the creek and surrounds. Eventually the crew doubled back to camp. On the way back the group tallied the different flower colours they spotted – 15 in all. 

Back by camp, the crew noticed old fallen timber that might serve well as campfire fuel. They were excited to exercise their inner lumberjacks by sawing off the older sections and taking them back to camp, proving the old adage that firewood will warm you three times: once when felling (or in this instance, sectioning), again when transporting, and then when burning. Scout James proved tenacious with his preparations, sawing at logs for two hours. 

Leader Jono helped Scouts set up an impromptu swing that Scouts tested before dinner which was enjoyed around a lovely campfire set-up and tended by Scout Reuben.

The next day they ventured to the other side of the Princes Highway, where they followed the track from near Heathcote Station to Karloo Pool at the intersection of Heathcote Brook and Kangaroo Creek. There they enjoyed another water-side lunch, before returning to Heathcote Scout Camp where they were collected by parents and carers.

1st Austinmer Troop provides a supportive and inclusive environment for adventures. Call 0409 695 575 if you have any questions. 

1st Austinmer Scout Troop host a bake and jumble sale at the scout hall (20 Moore St, Austinmer) on Sunday, November 23 from 8am-1pm