The Daily Bean – 12Jan
The Future Scouts have arrived
The population of Jamboree increased from 9,100 to more than 13,000 people. And many of those additional people onsite were Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts and their families.
In fact, everywhere you looked, there were future Scouts walking confidently with their parents, looking at what they hope to do at the 2031 Australian Jamboree.
Our Scouts were so excited to welcome the smaller members of the Scouting family and showed them around their Units, shared their stories about the Jamboree, and gifted badges. It seems that the seed of badge collecting is planted early in every Scout’s life.
Thank you to all the families who brought their Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts to Aj2025. Thank you to NSW Scouts who made them feel so welcome. And a huge thanks to the many parents, relatives and friends of NSW Scouts who have been waiting to see them onsite at Maryborough Showground. Scouting is a family affair and we value everyone in the family.
A cracking night followed by a cracking day
As we all wound down at the end of a hot and steamy Friday, our plans for the evening were interrupted by a whole lot of water. First, a flash of lightening split the sky and then, almost instantaneously, a huge crack of thunder sounded right over the Jamboree site.
We lost power right across the site. The rain turned the walking tracks to mud. Unexpected water features developed under dining tables. Little creeks grew next to tents. But that didn’t dampen our moods and we did what Scouts do best – we moved things, lifted things, covered things, and washed up in the dark. Were our Scouts fazed? Not a bit. Resilient. Resourceful. Ready for anything.
Thanks to everyone who jumped in and helped do what we have to do to keep everyone safe and dry for the night ahead.
On Saturday morning, as a special treat to some members of the NSW Contingent team who were still out dealing with post-storm activity and repairs, our Chief Commissioner, Lloyd Nurthen, took to the frying pan to crack a few eggs and help feed some hungry Leaders. Thanks to our Hospitality team and Lloyd for putting on a good breakfast after a long night.
Leaders take a day off
There are several tour options for Leaders who want to get away from the Jamboree site on their day off. One of these is the Turtle Discovery and Reef World Aquarium Tour, and it’s certainly worth what Leaders pay to go on this tour.
After cruising in a glass-bottom boat to the Great Sandy Marine Park, our Leaders were able to see, feed and touch turtles, and spot the dolphins, dugongs and seabirds that call the park home.
Seeing some of the beautiful sights in the park helps us understand why protecting clean air and water is so important to Scouts.
Helping manage our wellbeing
Emotional and mental wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing – in both general life and camp life. To help support our overall wellbeing while we’re at Jamboree, we have a team of around 70 Leaders focused on health and wellbeing.
Carol and Sam are two adults in Scouting from NSW who are part of the Jamboree Organisation Committee. They focus on both the physical and mental health of youth members. They’re a bit like a trusted friend who we can talk to if we need to get some things of our chest.
Visit to FC062 from special guests
Scouts NSW Chair of the Board, Anthea Cudworth, and Executive Manager of Risk and Safety, Michael Scrase, visited FC062 to meet some of the Scouts from Balmain and Drummoyne Scout Groups.
“It was good to catch up with the Scouts and Leaders from where I used to be a Scout Leader,” said Anthea. “Camps are always fun”.
Until a few years ago when she moved into the State team, Anthea was a Scout Leader with 1st Balmain Scout Group.
Three day weather forecast
Good news on the weather front. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) tells us that you can look forward to:
Sunday 12 January – 28 degrees, showers
Monday 13 January – 31 degrees, shower or two, possible storm
Tuesday 14 January – 32 degrees, possible shower
