Why cubs loved Mt Keira camp

Thanks to Paul Rustomji for this report from 1st Austinmer Scouts

1st Austinmer Joeys (5-8 years)

The Joeys have a big say in what sort of activities they do each week. They have tried new knots, constructing things with recycled materials, growing plants and using a compass. They especially loved climbing and sandcastle building with the cubs. We’re looking forward to a night-time bush walk, bike riding, and cooking (and eating!) special treats, as well as a bunch of other activities. Anyone interested in joining the fun is very welcome, we’d love to meet new Joeys.

Scouts (11-14 years) and Venturers (15-18)

They have been busy with multi-day competitive hikes (Pigskin and Dragonskin) in nearby state forests, district leadership camp in April for Scouts and early in term 2 a bike hike in Canberra. Plus evening abseiling training for the Venturers at Mt Keira. Two scouts, Emily and Natalia, will attend the New Zealand Scout Jamboree in January 2024. Scouts and Venturers meet at 7pm on Monday nights at Austinmer Scout hall in term time.

Report from 1st Austinmer Cubs (8-11 years) on 9th Regional Environment Camp

By Matilda Bradburn and Bon Madden

A couple of weeks ago we went to an Environment camp at Mt Keira with our Cub group and others from all around the region. We camped for two nights in tents, which were water proof for most but not for us! The worst thing about the camp was all the rain (obviously) and all the leeches but there were many great things so it was worth it.

Things we loved were:

• Our group were called the ‘Powerful Owls’ which was the best name
• Eating together and being able to talk with our friends at lunch and dinner
• Learning about Wires and the SES and how to tie a bowline knot
• Learning about types of frogs, water pollution and how seeds are spread. Did you know that the Illawarra Flame Tree needs black cockatoos to spread its seeds?! And some of the biggest trees have the smallest seeds.
• Learning about decomposition and that some things never break down, like foil
• Learning about how different types of plants and animals are dependent on each other and so our food is dependent on them. Did you know that if the bee population all died then almost all food would no longer be able to be produced?!
• Free time to play on the big rock (which we claimed as 1st Austinmer’s – thanks Jack!)
• The big fire on Saturday and doing our first skit.

Next term we are looking forward to another camp and Wednesday night activities. Hopefully we will be able to do laser tag, rock climbing and a chalk chase so we can try to catch the fox!