Group News – Page 2 – 6th Melbourne Scout Group

The Fantastic Race

Based on the ‘Amazing Race’ TV show, the Fantastic race involves Scouts travelling in Patrols and completing a number of challenges in locations across Melbourne. The Patrols follow clues to navigate between the locations.

Each and every year the locations and challenges in the race change. In fact no two races have ever been the same. All the details are kept a very closely guarded secret right up until the race starts.

This year our small patrol of three from 6th Melbourne hunted clues from Albert Park, St Kilda, Carlton, Brunswick, the CBD and on Saturday night everyone came together at CRC Sydenham for a BBQ and Movie. Sunday morning everyone participated together in a surprise activity which this year was Lunar Park.

Sleep point - CRC Sydenham — Sleep point – CRC Sydenham

: Surprise destination – Lunar Park

How to win Gold at Stradbroke Cup

These photos were taken at Easter time, when 6th Melbourne Scouts competed in the Lerderderg Region Stradbroke Cup camp, held at Treetops. Our Scouts entered with a Patrol Name ‘Ragin’ Rabbits’. They spent four nights under canvas and were assessed on their ability to independently set up and maintain a high standard of camping over 4 days and nights. As well as the camping there were fun and challenging activities every day, a movie night, a Daryl-Dollar market night, a long-table dinner, and a visit from cousin Ester Bunny. Congratulations go to PL Michael and APL Alex, who ran a tight ship, ably assisted by Sofia, Matilda, Yvonne, Tamsin and Sophia. The Patrol was awarded a Gold pennant, which makes 6th Melbourne a co-holder of the Stradbroke Cup for 2015. And there is some talk about entering the next competition as a girls-only patrol so watch out guys!

Scout Crafters

Last week our Scouts completed their World Scouting proficiency badge by researching and finding out facts about the history of Scouting history. They also used natural materials to make models of the World Scout Badge which are displayed in the hall.

Big Blue Hike Weekend 20 – 22nd March

Kingston Scout Group hosted the Big Blue Hike weekend 20 – 22 March, in the Bunyip State Forest, for Scouts wanting to complete the requirements for their Explorer (Blue) hike, a journey of at least 15 km over two days, carrying their food, clothing and camping equipment. Along the journey, and at the overnight camp, Scouts were trained and tested on Explorer Campcraft skills. The hike completed on Sunday at 12 noon, with a Parade and award presentation ceremony.

6th Melbourne’s Kenneth was our only participant, and I am very pleased to say that Kenneth was successful in completing the hike and in obtaining his Explorer Campcraft Badge. Congratulations Kenneth on an extraordinary effort! A full report will be given at our next Scout meeting. Here is a snapshot of the weekend’s activity…click image to expand thumbnails.

District Camp – The Pines

Once again District Camp at the Pines was lots of fun with all sorts of activities. Who know you could play full size Foosball, shoot marshmallows out of a gun or flush poo down a pipe??????

Its great to see the cubs having such a great time camping under canvas (even if they chose not to sleep!!).

Thanks to all the leaders and parent helpers who made it so much fun.

Clean Up Australia – Moonee Ponds Creek

Monday 2nd March: Monday night’s Scout Meeting was a good opportunity for 6th Melbourne Scouts to fulfil our commitment to Clean Up Australia Day 2015. Eleven Scouts walked down to the Moonee Ponds Creek and collected about 12 bags of rubbish, separating them into recyclables and general rubbish. Prizes were awarded to Ethan and Sophia L. for their energetic collection of the most garbage!

The activity included bird-watching. We spotted two large water birds – a White-faced Heron and a Nankeen (Rufous) Night Heron. It is encouraging to see these magnificent birds in the Moonee Ponds Creek corridor.

P1070451 (640x360) — Nankeen (Rufous) Night Heron in flight

P1070453 (640x360) — Scouts get started!

P1070458 (640x360) — A most unusual find – red fire extinguisher.

P1070464 (640x360) — Job well done – 12 bags full!

Canoe Night – Essendon

6th Melbourne Cub Scouts were lucky enough to be able to enjoy a great Canoe night on the Maribyrnong River. Under the guidance of our great instructors, we managed to “Raft Up” and swing our raft through a full circle.

A lot of fun was had by all, and some ended up wetter than others.

Thanks to our great instructors Trevor Kinsey, Dale Hamilton and Steve Burns.

Macarthur Caving Camp

Happy but grubby and exhausted after day 1 in the caves at Mt Eccles

Looking out at Mt Napier which erupted to give all these amazing caves

Insect Survey – Royal Park

Our Scouts were praised and thanked for helping out at the recent Insect Survey, held by Friends of Royal Park, on Sunday February 8th. The Scouts found 57 different species of insects in just 50 metres!

Each insect was put into a small numbered jar for identification, and this was placed into a freezer for a short while, to allow a macro photo to be taken when the insect was slowed down. The photographs were examined and species identified by entomologist Roch, shown below teaching the scouts the method for collecting insects. The insects were placed back in the park after they recovered.

Gilweroo Activity Camp

Twelve Scouts from 6th Melbourne enjoyed several fun and adventurous activities over the weekend including Mud Sumo Wrestling, Air Rifles, Canoeing, Archery, Giant Mud Slide, BMX Biking, Rocket Launchers, Abseiling, T Shirt Printing, Slot Cars, Volleyball, Challenge Valley, Pyrographics, Sock Wrestling, Clay Modelling, Movie and Disco to name but a few.

We had a very impressive camp site, having its own picnic table and fire pit as well as being close to the amenities, great for after the muddy activities. Our able bodied camp master and caterer, Craig Morton, cooked up a storm with the help of our Scouts making Paella in a makeshift pan over our open fire. Everyone enjoyed it immensely but we just couldn’t get through the 2kgs of rice.