THE COVID-19 pandemic has failed to deter the Mount Gambier Scouts Group from finding innovative ways to hold its weekly meetings and activities.
While the 1st Mount Gambier Scout Group hall has been empty over the last few months, members have been “scouting at home” with weekly meetings with leaders taking place online.
Youth members aged five to 17 have participated in a variety of challenges and activities which were discussed and agreed upon during the virtual meetings.
Activities have including camping, cubby-building, cooking and making games to share and play online or with family members.
“In April youth members participated in a special edition Jamboree of the Internet – an international event normally held in October brought forward to allow youth members around the world to share and support each other with the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions,” group leader Carolyn said.
“Youth members were able to compare what their towns, cities and countries were going through, discuss feelings and experiences in the community and at school share ideas for activities and to continue going friendships.”
Last week with the easing of some restrictions, youth members took the opportunity to get back outdoors to participate in their Jamboree on the Trail hikes with family members.
“Jamboree on the Trail is another international event which is held the second Saturday of May each year and has been celebrated differently worldwide,” Carolyn said.
“This year instead of hiking together as a group and on the same day youth members have been able to share their hikes with their siblings at a location of their choice throughout the month of May.
“So far, hikes have included Germein Reserve, Butterfly Walk, Douglas Point Conservation Park, Telford’s Scrub and Mount Schank.”