MEMBERSHIP for the Penola Scout Group has exponentially increased sevenfold in the last year, with the surge in numbers providing more opportunities for the young group.
The community group’s numbers have increased from three to 21 and three trained leaders have also joined the group.
Earlier this year Penola Scouts hosted the district rally with 70 scouts from around the region flocking to the town to participate in a range of activities.
Scouts volunteer Judy Goodes said the event provided young enthusiasts with a classic scouting experience and participants tied ropes, built huts and cooked a hearty lunch.
“They also had to build some camp gadgets, whether that be chairs or tables,” she said.
“We have also gone on a camp to the Monarto Zoo where the kids became mini zookeepers for the weekend which was also fantastic fun.”
As well as attending a range of excursions, the Penola Scouts spent 10 days camping at Padthaway Conservation Park.
“During that camp they had to build a hut that was at least one metre off the ground,” Ms Goodes said.
“All of these activities are on top of our weekly meetings and it is all possible because of the endless amounts of hours our volunteers put in.
“We have a really good fundraising committee and we try to raise as much as possible to help keep the cost for camps and activities down.”
Ms Goodes said the group was supported by a dedicated group of leaders and parents who supported a variety of activities.
“There are endless benefits to being part of the Scouts,” she said.
“It gives kids a lot of hands on activities and allows them to just explore things they would not get to do otherwise such as rock climbing or abseiling.
“It is also a good community based group and allows the kids to focus on how they can help their community.”
Ms Goodes said the group also completes community work and has helped with the Penola War Memorial Hospital garden and Australia Day clean ups.
“The kids also learn a lot of helpful skills such as how to tie a rope, light fires – those types of things,” she said.
“It is a great alternative for kids who are not very sporty but still wish to get outside.”
The group meets at the Riddoch Street hall every Wednesday with Cubs and Joeys meeting at 3.30pm and Scouts at 5.30pm.
