Scouts profit from rubbish

 

In true Scouting spirit, members of the Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Scout Group walked between the two towns recently, picking up roadside rubbish to fundraise for the 21st NZ Scout Jamboree.

Two truck and trailer loads of rubbish were collected, with lots of supportive toots from passing drivers giving encouragement.

Along with general rubbish, hundreds of coffee cups and alcohol bottles were retrieved from the roadside.

Sponsorship money for the exercise will go towards the cost of the 10-day Jamboree.

Scouts from Dargaville, Hora Hora and Australia will form a troop of 36 who will be among more than 3000 Scouts and leaders from New Zealand and around the world attending.

Donations can be made to Scouts New Zealand at BNZ 02-0484-0022539-01.

Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with activities, adventure, challenges, friendship and fun. Scouts put into practice their planning and leadership skills as they make many of the decision around all aspects of the event, which includes a visit to Sir Peter Jackson’s WW1 aircraft display, as well as exploring on land, in the water and around the Blenheim and Picton area.

Leader Jenny Webb says they have almost reached the halfway point with their fundraising goal of $1700 per Scout.

“It is a huge undertaking, as many of the families have more than one child eligible. Each individual needs to raise funds for themself, and support their contingent’s fundraising efforts to cover the cost of activities, meals, and airfares.”

The group’s activities this year are designed to prepare the 10-15-year-olds for 10 days under canvas.

“The standing camp held during the holidays with lots of tramping was brilliant,” Jenny says. “They have learnt to cook meals, light fires, they also will attend training courses, and pre-Jamboree camps to get to know each other and work together to get the most from the experience.”

n Scouts meet at Hakaru Hall on Thursdays during school terms from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Rock on up.