Scouts go from lockdown to Jamboree

After two years of restrictions, 1st Churchill Scouts are about to return to camping – with thousands of their fellow Scouts.

They are heading to VicJam – an 11-day Victorian Jamboree – and a welcome event after almost two years of mostly on-line Scouting programs. While many organisations paused during COVID, Scouts Victoria actually grew, with a 15th consecutive year of membership growth.

First Churchill Scouts head for Elmore, near Bendigo, on December 29, 2021 to tackle activities ranging from abseiling, a wet ninja circuit, robotics, escape rooms and a day at Whittlesea’s Funfields Water Park. A highlight will be attending their choice of overnight expedition at locations throughout Victoria.

New friends at VicJam include more than 3000 Scouts (aged 11-14), 500 Venturer Scouts (aged 14-17), 100 Rover Scouts (aged 18-25), and 1200 volunteer Leaders and Adult Helpers. The Jamboree will also be visited by 2000 Cub Scouts (aged 8-11) from throughout Victoria for a one-day event called CubJam.

VicJam is a $7 million event. One of the big budget items is food, with a shopping list including 1165 kg of lettuce, 1744 cucumbers, and 23 different fruits and vegetables, covering the full spectrum of colours.

Child safety is paramount during the event. VicJam’s medical team includes doctors, nurses and a dentist, plus current and former police, and a 24-hour fire station. Almost all are volunteers.

First Churchill Scout’s Group Leader Tammy Napier says the Scouts have been looking forward to VicJam for the past two years. “Our Scouts have learnt camping skills, planned their VicJam menu and chosen the activities they will do,” Tammy said.

“After the challenges of the past two years, it is great that eight of our Scouts will get to experience a Jamboree – a milestone event in their young lives.”

VicJam Chief Director Jon Willis said VicJam will be a brilliant return to face-to-face Scouting after a difficult two years. “VicJam is a youth-led camp, and young people from all over Victoria have had their say on what VicJam will look like. They’ve chosen the theme of the camp, debated the clothing designs, trained to be announcers on the radio station, and so much more. This is their camp!”

Scouting is for everyone aged 5 and over. For more information about joining Scouts in Churchill, please email groupleader@1stchurchill.com.au.

For more information:

Your local contact: Tammy Napier, Group Leader – 1st Churchill Scout Group 0412 506 620

groupleader@1stchurchill.com.au

VicJam media Matt Ellis, General Manager – Media 0401 099 830

media@vicjam.com.au