General News
11 October, 2023
Scouts raising funds for New Zealand trip
THE 1st Noorat Scouts have been getting their ducks in a row to fundraise for an international adventure.
THE 1st Noorat Scouts have been getting their ducks in a row to fundraise for an international adventure.
The Scout Group have been hard at work throughout the year as they attempt to raise funds to travel together to New Zealand.
The scouts are hoping to join the Australian contingent traveling to the 23rd New Zealand Jamboree 2023-2024 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton; around two hours south of Auckland.
The costs of such a one-in-a-lifetime trip can run in to the thousands per scout, so the group set about conceptualising a fundraiser to ensure nobody misses out.
Later this month the group will host the 2023 Community and Corporate Duck Race as part of the Scouts’ ongoing fundraising efforts to ensure the kids can make their trip overseas.
“I think it’s super cool, and something we could keep doing over the years as like a tradition,” 1st Noorat Scout Amelia Rowe, 12, said.
Fellow Scout Jake Arklay, 12, said he was excited at the prospect of making the trip.
“I’m pretty excited because it’s something I am really looking forward to,” he said.
“I have never been out of the country before so it’s a new experience.
“You get to meet lots more people.”
Amelia admit she was a little nervous at the thought of heading overseas, but was also eagerly counting down the days.
The Scouts have recently picked what activities they would participate in at the Jamboree, but much of the activities remain a surprise.
“I’m looking forward to it because it’s in New Zealand and it’s my first Jamboree,” Amelia said.
“It’s a little bit scary but it’s also really exciting.”
Every aspect of the fundraiser has been led by the Scouts themselves, ensuring not only do they have a chance to make the trip but gain valuable confidence and experience in raising the funds.
“We have done lots of other fundraisers including a high tea, scrap metal collection, Thermomix raffle and a Bunnings barbecue in Warrnambool,” Amelia said.
“The duck race is going to be our last fundraiser.
“Doing the fundraising has made us come out of our shell a little more.”
Jake agreed the fundraising efforts had been beneficial to the overall development of the Scouts as young members of the community.
“Doing all the fundraising has helped us with a bit of personal growth,” he said.
“To learn more and to actually do it.”
The Community and Corporate Duck Races will be held on Saturday, October 21 at the Panmure Waterhole from 3pm.
There is $2750 in cash prizes to share, including $1000 for the owner of the winning duck.
A standard duck costs $10 or a golden duck, which receives a 10 metre head start, can be purchased for $20.
If anyone would like to support the 1st Noorat Scouts in their effort contact Scout leader Rob Rowe via email at gl.1stnoorat@scoutsvictoria.com.au or purchase a duck from Scouts who typically sell outside the Terang IGA on a Saturday morning.
“We really appreciate the support because it will really help us get to the Jamboree,” Amelia said.
Jake thanked members of the community and businesses which had already shown their support.
“We would really appreciate if anyone would like to busy a duck to help us get over there, and to support us,” he said.
