Term 4 is always a struggle for our young people. They have worked hard all year and as the end of the year approaches the younger members are often tired. The older sections have to contend with exams, social expectations, often they have jobs and are having to face the impending end of their childhood as they know it as they prepare to join the adult world. With this in mind, the leaders try to keep our term 4 program fairly lightweight and give them a space to relax and let some of the pressure go.
During October, our Joeys planned a french themed meal and learned the words to Frere Jacques, earning them a Special Interest Area badge. Our Cubs explored how to manage emergencies at home, had an afternoon of grass tobogganing to finish their Alpine 1 badge, spent an afternoon at the lake picking up rubbish and reviewed how to correctly pack for camp. The older Scouts enjoyed a quiet movie, had a creative night with their version of ‘sip and paint,’ wandered around the lake area during a photo scavenger hunt, and went for a dip at Orion Lagoon. Unfortunately they were rained out and had to improvise with a mystery shop and drink at San Churros Orion.
Thankfully the weather was much better for our last camp for the year. The weather was warm, but not too hot, and was helped by time in the pool and exploring the air-conditioned Heritage Centre at the BP Park campgrounds in Samford. The Scouts also had time to practise some knots and lashings, experiment with fire, make damper sticks and cook dinner in the camp ovens, while also having time to wind down playing cards and exploring the area.
We approach the end of the year with a mixture of excitement for the rest of our activities, and the anticipation of time to refresh and recharge so we can have time to plan for the next year.
Is 2025 going to be the year your young person discovers the fun and adventure of Scouts?
