These are the Scouts you were looking for

The Force was with Scouts on the North Coast at the annual Region Rally.

Over the weekend of 3-5 May, more than 150 Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts, Leaders and adult helpers gathered at Camp Eagle Eye in Glenreagh, west of Coffs Harbour.

Scouts from Murwillumbah to Camden Haven came together for 40 hours of fun, challenges and friendship.

The theme for the 2024 Region Rally was Sci-Fi, made even more fun by starting on Star Wars Day (May the 4th). So whether attendees came as a Jedi Master or a Sith Apprentice or one-eyed, hairy Mike Wazowski (from Monsters Inc.), Rally provided an intergalactic adventure like no other. 

The big test for Scouts was to successfully complete 14 activity bases – starting early Saturday morning and through until Sunday afternoon. Every Patrol was challenged to complete every base, so the pace was fast and furious, especially for those Patrols who were competitive.

Rally bases are predominantly planned and run by the Leaders, however they are usually complemented by bases run by Rover Scouts and Venturer Scouts. This year, five bases were run by the Venturer Scouts.

Plenty of adult helpers were at Region Rally to assist with the bases and activities. In the past, adult helpers who have seen the fun at events like this have then made the decision to become a Leader. This is what convinced Yowie (Anthony Boland, newly announced Deputy Region Commissioner – Program Support and International) to put on the uniform.

The types of activities at this year’s Rally included orienteering, knots, archery tag, crate stacking, puzzles, an obstacle course, and various activities requiring different survival skills.

The North Coast Region has been impacted by floods, bushfires and COVID-19 isolation. It’s been a difficult road to recovery. Region Rally is one of the largest events held on the North Coast since the floods in 2017.

Thanks to all the Scouts who came to take part in Rally; the Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts who ran some of the bases; and thanks to the Leaders and adult helpers who played an important role in making sure Rally was a success. Much fun at Region Rally, Scouts had!

It’s only about 340 days until Region Rally 2025 and we’re already excited!