Big Splash and walk for Orange Sky

 Today was The Big Splash Event, a branch activity for the Joey and Cub sections of South Australia. The venue was at Port Malcolm, Semaphore South.

 

It was certainly a weather contrast to yesterday, when it got to 42C. Today’s weather was very windy, with showers threatening to arrive (Thankfully, they did not make an appearance).

 

Yet, even with the weather against us, I attended with Scouting Person and several youth members with their families from Golden Grove Scout Group. This allowed for social interaction between families within Golden Grove Scout Group, and a chance for parents to realize that Scouting does not just happen at Golden Grove Scout Hall.

 

The youth members were able to have a chance to do some orienteering, rock climbing (counting towards Vertical OAS L1) and water activities amongst other activities. Some activities, such as swimming were affected by the weather at different stages. But there were certainly plans to adapt, overcome and improvise as needed, which were implemented.

 

When the day had wrapped up, scouting person and I went for a nice long walk (6km). It was along the new (to us) trail through the Tennyson sand dunes. We had not done this previously, when we had walked between Semaphore and Grange. Today was the ideal chance to do it while we were in the area.

 

The walk was due to needing to get some km done for our March fundraising for Orange Sky, a mobile laundry service, started in 2014. Many of their clients are homeless people, and Orange Sky provides them a chance to was their clothes and have people to talk with. It is supported by volunteers and was the brain idea of two mates, who were awarded Young Australian of The Year in 2014 (or 2015) for their efforts in starting this venture.

 

They also go into disaster zones, such as fire zones (AFTER the main issues are resolved and it is safe to do so) to provide support there. So, we were able to use today’s 6km towards our March tally for fundraising efforts.

 

Overall, it was an enjoyable day and I am sure if it was run again, many of our youth members would be willing to attend it again. 

 

Fishing Night March 2025

 This evening, the Cubs went fishing at Largs Jetty. The weather was a lot better than our attempts late last year, when we really had some awful weather which kept a lot of people away. However, there were quite a few who attended tonight.

Not a great deal was caught tonight, apart from a few crabs, which needed to be released.

Overall, a quiet, but enjoyable night at Largs Jetty. 

 

Clean Up Australia Day with Friends of Cobbler Creek

 "Look wide, and even when you think you are looking wide – look wider still ” – Lord Robert Baden-Powell

It is with this saying in mind, that today, Golden Grove several Cubs, a Scout and Venturer (as well as one Cub Leader and several parents) joined forces with Friends of Cobbler Creek, to do Clean Up Australia Day at Cobbler Creek Recreational Park.

 

It was the 35^th year of Clean Up Australia Day and doing this as a scout activity is vital. By doing it, Scouts are caring for their environment – a long-standing part of Scouting. In addition, it is also about setting the example, being community minded and working with organisations whose goals overlap with several Scouting ones. Further, it ensures that Scouting is seen within the community, doing following up on doing what we say we do, and setting the example. It’s also about working with others.

 

 

While the site was going for several hours, we had set a limit of an hour, as this has been as long as the Cubs have lasted, before their interest and attention span starts to evaporate. Very much an experience thing. It also ensures we get a few in attendance, as an hour does not feel so bad and can feel achievable, and we are seen in public. This part is important, as often people often think Scouting no longer exists.

 

Overall, a successful day, and about youth getting involved with the community, and ensuring they are working in partnership with groups with similar goals.