EIGHT members of 1st Lake Boga Sea Scouts experienced the adventure of a lifetime during the summer school holidays at the 26th Australian Jamboree.
Held every three years, this year’s event took scouting groups from around the world to Maryborough, Queensland, where they took part in a range of exciting activities.
Leader-in-charge, Sally Bethune said the Jamboree offered young people the chance to learn, connect and thrive in an atmosphere of adventure and camaraderie.
“This was an unforgettable experience for our scouts,” she said.
“They’ve gained skills, resilience, and memories that will stay with them forever.
“It’s an event that embodies the very spirit of scouting including adventure, community, and personal growth.”
The group travelled by bus, collecting members from Northcote and Doreen scout groups along the way, allowing the country kids to bond with the city kids during the 18-hour journey.
They joined 7500 other scouts and 1750 leaders from across Australia and 500 international scouts.
The young scouts were responsible for setting up their own tents, and transformed the regional town’s Showground into a giant tent city made up of 150 camping units.
Sea scout leader Mark Smith said the camp offered a medical centre, police station, eateries and an arena.
“It was incredible really, it was like a city within a city,” he said.
“The scouts got to take part in a range of outdoor activities, water sports, team building activities and cultural exchanges.
“Some highlights included scaling adventure courses, exploring the natural beauty of Queensland and forging lasting friendships with fellow scouts from diverse regions.”
Australian singer Amy Shark opened the 10-day event and other performers included comedian Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes and a Kiss tribute band.
While there was a range of exciting activities such as zip lining and commando crawling through a muddy adventure course, the scouts were also responsible for mundane tasks.
These included washing their own clothes and ensuring the campgrounds were kept clean.
Scouts also had the chance to take part in a Jamboree Corroboree which provided the opportunity to learn about First Nations People and culture.
The Jamboree has been in existence for 90 years and although it is usually held every third year, 2025 was the first time it had ran since COVID.
Mr Smith said without the support of the community through fundraising and donations, the scouts would not be able to attend such a unique and fun-filled event.
“This incredible opportunity was made possible through the generous support of our local community,” he said.
Murray Valley Group CWA, Lions, Rotary, Freemasons, Community U supported us with donations and other sponsorships and fundraising efforts helped cover travel, registration, and equipment expenses.
“This meant every scout in our group aged between 13 and 15 was able to attend the Jamboree,
“We are deeply grateful for the backing of our local community, from individuals and families, to local businesses.
“Those contributions made this dream a reality for our scouts.”
THE scouting movement began in 1907 in England and had spread to Australia by 1908.
Originally just for boys, girls would join the equivalent Girl Guides formed in 1910, the scouts was designed to give boys aged from 12-16 an outlet to learn about the outdoors, experience adventure, learn to overcome challenges and learn a range of life skills such as fire starting, hunting and knot tying.
Later, 155 national Scouting organisations were formed, with a scout membership of more than 28 million.
Girls have been scouts in Australia since the 1970s, and all activities are equal opportunity.
More than a third of all members are female and Mr Smith said the Lake Boga Sea Scouts was inclusive and diverse.
“Everyone is welcome and everyone is treated equally,” he said.
“People can participate in as little or as much as they like, we do not push anyone into things they might not be comfortable with.”
Modern-day scouting is separated into three categories, based upon the environments the group is based in.
“There is air scouts, land scouts and sea scouts,” Mr Smith said.
“We are sea scouts because we are based at Lake Boga and many of our activities take place in and around water.
“We meet every Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm at the Lake Boga Scout Hall and have a partnership with the yacht club so our members get to take part in a whole range of water activities.
“These include swimming, canoeing, yachting, kayaking and they also learn about water safety.”
Mr Smith encouraged all children aged 10-16 to get involved.
“It is just such a great thing to be a part of,” he said.
“It’s perfect for kids that enjoy the outdoors and getting into nature and lifelong friendships are often made.
“It’s an inexpensive activity where children can take pride in their achievements and belong to a tight-knit and like-minded community.
Annual cost to join is approximately $270 a year with subsidies available and discounts for health care card holders.
For further information or to get involved contact 1stlakebogascouts@gmail.com.
