Scouts Angus Hunt and Annette Clipsham are inviting boys and girls turning between eight and 15 to their Come and Try Night this Wednesday, 13 August, from 6 to 7:30. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
What do Taylor Swift, Sir David Attenborough, Beatles Paul McCartney and John Lennon, A Minecraft Movie’s Jack Black, soccer superstar David Beckham, Star-Lord actor Chris Pratt and Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates have in common? They were all Scouts.
In fact, the list of celebrities and leaders around the world who were Scouts is so long, this article would be more like a novel than an invitation to this week’s Come and Try Night, this Wednesday (13 August) from 6 to 7:30.
Due to demand, Wagga’s 1st Kooringal Scouts is reopening, and to celebrate, the group will be throwing the Scout Hall doors open to anyone curious about having fun and wanting something more inspiring than iPads or mobile phones.
“It’s an opportunity for kids and their parents to come along, see what we do and have fun,” Scout group leader Annette Clipsham said.
Annette has been involved in Scouts “since I was a kid”, and said the night would showcase what Scouting was, and why millions around the world loved it.
“Hopefully, they’ll enjoy it and we can get the group back up and running,” she said.
“We’re already planning our first camps and hikes, as well as rock climbing and abseiling.”
Great campfires are a specialty for Scouts. Photo: Scouts Australia.
Angus Hunt, 12, has been a Scout for six years and is keen to share why Scouting is so much fun.
“You can do all these fun activities like canoeing and kayaking. It’s so much fun that I want to keep on going,” Angus said.
The Come and Try Night is for Cubs aged seven to 12, and Scouts aged 11 to 15.
Depending on parent and volunteer interest in becomng leaders and adult helpers, 1st Kooringal would like to get Joeys up for five to eight-year-olds. Also needed are community helpers to set up a group committee to organise fundraising and look after the hall and equipment.
If there’s community support, 1st Kooringal Scouts will be able to restart the popular Joeys for five to eight-year-olds. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
“It can be as simple as getting a knot right, to being able to run activities,” Annette said. ”The confidence that brings these kids is just amazing.”
The Come and Try Night will be a hands-on evening with games, outdoor challenges, and a chance to meet the Scout leaders and learn about how to get involved. There will also be free training and safety checks, and the calendar of adventures that Scouting offers. It is a free event.
Knots worth remembering board at 1st Kooringal Scouts. Photo: Marguerite McKinnon.
WHAT: Come and Try Night – Relaunching 1st Kooringal Scout Group
WHEN: Wednesday, 13 August
WHERE: 1st Kooringal Scout Hall, 13 Marloo Crescent, Kooringal
TIME: 6 – 7:30
WHO: Children aged 7.5 years to 15 years, their parents and carers, and anyone wishing to become a Scout leader. All children are welcome to the Come and Try Night as younger Joeys may be able to re-form depending on community support.
COST: Free.
