Spending Easter with 1000 teenagers

By Dragon Skin organiser Damien “Dink” Ryan

I’ve had an unashamed love affair with Dragon Skin since I attended my first one as a Venturer Scout in 1997. From the moment I stepped on the train at Central to get to Lithgow very early one Good Friday morning, I knew this was going to be like nothing I’d ever experienced before, even though I really had no idea what was coming. Four days of hiking, uncomfortable sleeping mats, a diet of lollies, rices of the world and more lollies, falling asleep by a fire pit, loud music, challenging activities by day and dancing by night – I was hooked. Getting to do it all with a close bunch of friends and meeting hundreds of new people along the way was the cherry on top of a very dusty cake.

For the uninitiated, Dragon Skin is a hiking and initiative competition for Venturer Scouts (aged 14-17), held over the four-day Easter weekend each year in NSW. Up to 1000 youth participants descend on a State Forest, hiking their way between activity bases, completing challenging tasks, and earning points for their teamwork, leadership skills and initiative. This is all supported by almost as many Rover Scouts (aged 18-25) and Leaders, who conceptualise and run the activity bases, as well as provide centralised campsites each night full of fun and entertainment and ensure the camp is safe and fun for all. Dragon Skin celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, and across those 40 events, more than 30,000 youth members have taken part with a select group of 200 being able to claim the title of Dragon Skin champions. 

Dragon Skin fosters resilience and adaptability in a very unique environment. The event often involves challenging outdoor activities, unpredictable weather, and complex scenarios. Participants are forced to think on their feet, problem-solve collaboratively, and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills are invaluable, not just in Scouting, but in navigating the uncertainties of life. Whether it's building a shelter in the rain or strategising to complete a tough activity, youth members learn to persevere and find solutions under pressure.

The event's structure encourages collaboration, with Patrols and teams working together to achieve common goals. Older Venturer Scouts often take on leadership roles, guiding their younger peers and developing their communication and decision-making skills. This experience provides a safe environment to practice leadership, learn from mistakes, and build confidence. The shared experience of overcoming challenges together creates strong bonds and a sense of belonging.

While the fantasy theme and the scale of the event are certainly exciting, the true value of Dragon Skin lies in the personal growth and development it offers to the teenagers who participate. It's a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment. It is a testament to the power of Scouting to shape young people into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.

So, here’s to 40 years of Dragon Skin (well technically 42, but we don’t count the COVID years). Here’s to the years that we froze (looking at you Vulcan State Forest 2006), the years that the rain didn’t stop (Wauchope 1988) and the year we stopped digging pit toilets (Belanglo 2000). To the many shoes that we’ve ruined, the cars that we’ve bogged, and the friendships made. May we continue for another 40 years!!!

Check out our other Youth Week stories