These Canberra kids are thrilled to be kicking it old school on custom wheels. Photo: Scouts ACT.
There’s a lot more to being a scout than knowing how to read a compass. It takes drive, grit, and a diverse circle of friends.
You’re probably picturing 70s or 80s tunes, green bandanas and boxes of biscuits…
Sure, badges are still a thing and wilderness skills remain key but much has changed in the scouting world since this movement took the nation by storm.
Outdoor challenges such as abseiling, rafting, archery and snow sports are now blended with performing arts, leadership development, community service and more.
Letting kids just be kids is a big part of this community too, especially when a chance to have some fun rolls around.
Dan Williams came on as president of the Mount Rogers Scout Group, based in Charnwood, in 2016. He knows that sometimes play is the best teacher.
“One of the most important lessons our scouts will ever learn is how to build genuine, positive relationships with others,” Dan says.
“They gain confidence, independence and resilience through the things that interest them. Having fun and responsible risk taking are part of that.
“Plus, some of the amazing friendships made here will last for life.”
Cub Scouts (ages 8 to 11) were thrilled when they learned their next project involved a good old-fashioned billy cart race.
Their first point of order was to build the speed machines from scratch.
As a volunteer-run organisation, Scouts ACT relies on its community for support. When group leader Merv Henri reached out to local developer Geocon for leftover building materials, he was met with an unexpected offer.
“Fronting the cost of materials would have been difficult, so Merv asked Geocon if we could take any supplies they didn’t need off their hands,” Dan says.
“They actually offered to pay for whatever we needed brand new, which was amazing. Even better, a group of Geocon staff also came out and helped our cubs build their racers.”
Each cub worked alongside helpers from Geocon to build their cart. Learning how to handle power tools had the little crowd absolutely rapt.
After just two construction sessions, the racers were built, decorated, and ready to go.
Practice rides didn’t take long – Cub Scouts are tenacious, after all. Photo: Scouts ACT.
Scouts gathered at Stromlo Forest Park on the big day. There were no golden trophies or chequered flags. This race was about having fun together, not winning or losing.
And yes, some of the carts ended up worse for wear, but cubs/billy cart drivers Eloise and Ronan didn’t mind at all.
“I really enjoyed racing the billy carts,” Eloise says.
“Building the carts was fun and I learned a lot,” Ronan says.
Cubs raced until the sun started to set. It was quite an effort convincing the kids to hang up their helmets, according to Dan.
Geocon and Scouts ACT have previously worked together to revitalise the 13th Canberra Scout Group Hall in O’Connor.
Geocon’s director of operation for construction, Ned Pattinson, says staff enjoyed themselves just as much this time around.
“It’s important to follow a philosophy of community support through action, not just words,” he says.
“The kids were so excited during building sessions and the carts turned out great.
“It was wonderful to see the camaraderie between them all. Scouts ACT is definitely a worthwhile community group to support.”
Interested in the wonderful world of scouting? Find out more at Scouts ACT.
Visit Geocon to discover other initiatives helping shape the Canberra landscape.
