Unreal atmosphere at New Zealand (Aotearoa) Rover Moot

Words and photos by Rover Scout Alexander Morson

Over the Easter long weekend, myself and 17 NSW Rover Scouts from many different Regions attended the 81st Aotearoa Rover Moot, called Ye Olde’ Moot.

Held in Rotorua, the Moot is the largest camp for Rovers and is run entirely by Rovers who form a MOC (Moot Organising Committee) and is staffed by volunteers. Its program was based around service, social and self-development.

On the Friday, we began the Moot by putting in some solid service into the site we were staying at. I was a part of the group that was tasked with staining a side panel of the main hall at the site.

After service, the cross country was up, and two Aussies came through in the top 10. The final activity for the day was the tug of war competition, and boy, do the New Zealanders take this seriously! The atmosphere was unreal!

Saturday was Tours Day, which was a great opportunity to get out and explore. My tour was the Tavern Trail (pretty self-explanatory), but others went ziplining, mountain biking, or on a visit to Hobbiton. There was just so much on offer.

Sunday was the Shooting Trophy competition – but don’t worry, there wasn’t any real shooting! Each team went around to different activities and competed for points in things like apple bobbing, horseshoe throwing, sword fights and archery.

Each night had a theme and costumers were a HUGE part of it. Themes included “Rags to Riches”; “Trickery, Treason and …”; and “Royal Banquet”.

I urge all NSW Rover Scouts to think about attending an Aotearoa Moot as it is a fantastic experience and much different to other Moots in NSW. It is also a great way of going on an International Scouting Adventure without breaking the bank.