THANK YOU: Community support gives scouts major boost

The timing is perfect as Scouts Australia releases the new youth program to foster the development of young people through adventure, challenges and fun.

SCOUT'S KNOT:The Biloela Scouts have recently received funding for canoes and a trailer.

THANKS to generous members of the community, Biloela Scout Group will now be able to pursue paddling as one of the main outdoor adventurous activities available to its youth members under the new Scouts Australia Youth Program.

Funding from groups such as the Turkey Tussle Crew, The Stronger Communities Program and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund were vital in being able to purchase the six quality Silverbirch Broadland 16' canoes, together with an eight-bay canoe trailer, personal flotation devices and paddles from Paddle and Portage Canoes.

The timing is perfect as Scouts Australia releases the new youth program aimed at fostering the development of young people, through adventurous, fun, challenging and inclusive programs, involving but not limited to activities such as bushwalking, canoeing, cycling, kayaking or sailing.

The focus of the new program is to create a personal journey of growth and learning and allows the youth members to choose their activities as part of the Plan > Do > Review cycle. Activities are based on the interests of the young people with an emphasis on useful skills and service to others.

Many activities make use of the outdoors theme that encourages a spirit of adventure and a challenge.

A Scout's Australia representative said "the new program challenges us (as members) to develop to our full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potential".

"The new program will encourage us to be responsible citizens and great members of our local, national and international communities," they said.

The canoes, trailer and accessories will be stored at Biloela Scout Group's outdoor learning facility Camp Illawong, close to the Callide Dam.

Camp Illawong is a bush camp-style environment with campgrounds, an obstacle course, bushwalking trails, a navigation course, toilet/shower facilities, a rainwater tank and onsite generator.

Biloela Scout Group is always looking to improve and expand its outdoor learning facilities and have several future projects already under development.

The Scout Group also has camping equipment, including light-weight hiking tents, navigational gear and safety equipment to facilitate other outdoor adventurous activities within the new youth program.

The group meets every Friday afternoon from 4.30pm (during school terms) at the Scout Den (2A State Farm Road, Biloela) to undertake activities which count towards the Youth Member achievements.

For more information or to arrange an appointment to see the facilities and meet the group, email the group leader Geoff Price at [e-mail].

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