Scouts have a muddy good time at Australian Jamboree

There’s been sea, mud and badges galore as 10,000 Scouts and adult volunteers have settled into the Australian Jamboree in Maryborough, Queensland.

As our 2609 Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts and Leader Scouts continue to challenge themselves on Day 5 of AJ2025, we’re taking a look back at some of the fun they’ve had this week!

On the way

Every good adventure starts with a journey, and for most of our Scouts that involved long bus trips from across the state, before disembarking in Maryborough to set up their campsites.

Facing their fears

Despite some rainy weather, Scouts were set to challenge themselves on Your Summit, a vertical challenge base featuring abseiling, rock climbing, crate stacking, and everyone’s favourite – zip lines!

This 12m-tall tower, which probably grew in height for many as they ascended to the top, was a great opportunity for some of our Scouts to confront their fear of heights while supported by their Patrols.

Anyone got a washing machine?

Scouts have been exploring the therapeutic benefits of mud at the Your Challenge obstacle course. The low rope activities have been testing the Patrols and the muddy clothes will probably test plenty of washing machines when they get home!

Once you swap you can’t stop!

Badge swapping continues to be one of the favourite activities at AJ2025, with Scouts moving fast to track down as many badges as possible. The NSW Contingent alone has 61 NSW Unit badges, a Contingent badge, a Service Leader badge, a Venturer Service Leader badge, a NSW HQ badge, a I survived badge and seven Contingent Director badges. WOW!

Taking a dip

The waters of Hervey Bay have been swarming with Scouts snorkelling, trying stand-up paddle boarding and building their own rafts. No matter the weather, it’s always a good time having a splash at the beach.

Celeb spotting

There’s been plenty of high profile visitors to AJ2025. Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland and Chief Scout visited the NSW Contingent Heritage display and discussed the history and traditions of Scouting with NSW State Commissioner (Heritage) Joe Attard earlier in the week.

At Monday night’s Opening Ceremony, Australian indie pop singer-songwriter Amy Shark  received a marriage proposal from an optimistic Scout, while Aria award-winning and number one Australian Gamilaraay artist Mitch Tambo led “the loudest, most epic sit down party ever!” At Tuesday’s Comedy Night, comedians Mel Buttle and Dave “Hughesy” Hughes performed before one of their more unique crowds – more than 8000 teenagers.

Happy snaps

There’s been so much happening at AJ2025 it’s hard to share it all! So here’s a bunch of photos from across the first five days.

What’s next?

There’s still five more days of Jamboree to go, with Future Scout Day on tomorrow (Saturday, 11 January). This is a chance for Joeys and Cubs (our Future Scouts) to visit Jamboree and see what it’s like to attend the biggest Scout camp in Australia.