Scouts connect with Purpose at GG's Camp
Published Mon 22 Apr 2024
Thousands of Scouts had a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience, camping on the lawns of Government House in Canberra at GG’s Camp.
Held over the week of 14-19 April 2024, His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley hosted more than 1500 youth members of all age sections, supported by about 500 Leaders and adult supporters. This was only the second time a national all-sections camp had been held and the first in more than 80 years to have camped on the Government House lawn.
The event provided the youth members with an opportunity to connect with the Purpose of the Scout Movement through all six of the SPICES:
- Social Development – interacting with others and developing relationships and networks
- Physical Development – being adventurous
- Intellectual Development – acquiring new information and being adaptable
- Character Development – showing autonomy
- Emotional Development – showing respect
- Spiritual Development – being thankful.
NSW Contingent Leader Craig Kokay said Scouts NSW had a contingent of 577 forming 14 Units, with members attending from as far west as Broken Hill, south to Albury and north to Lismore. Scouts, Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts arrived late on Sunday, followed by the Joey Scouts and Cub Scouts on Tuesday.
“Camping in Units of up to 46 people and operating Patrols, each participant had a range of experiences including rogaining, sailing, ziplining, survival skills, Aboriginal dot paintings, drones, four-wheel driving, visiting the War Memorial and much more,” he said. “At night, the Scouts were entertained by a campfire where Mrs Hurley led the singing. There was also a talent quest and a magic show. Early each morning, the Royal Australian Air Force inflated their large hot air balloon, giving rides to many.”
The camp was blessed with fantastic weather; though cold at night, it was warm during the day, allowing everyone to participate to their full extent.
NSW Youth Media Ambassador Amelia Moran from 1st Castle Hill Venturer Unit said everyone became good friends by the end of the camp as they cooked, lived and enjoyed activities together.
“Walking around the campsite, I met so many Scouts that I knew from other camps,” she said. “It was great to see old friends again, including a reunion of participants from the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea, as well as meeting people for the first time, such as the other four youth media ambassadors.
“Joining Scouts is one of the best things I have done, as it really lets me try new things, build my leadership skills and make lots of friends locally, all around Australia, and even overseas.”
Their Excellencies were gifted the four-panel Aboriginal dot painting made by all the Scouts as thank you for the event.
The Scouts left the camp with lots of smiles, new friends and experiences.
