Raising funds for jamboree fun

MEMBERS of the region’s southern scouts groups are calling out for funds to take part in an end-of-year jamboree in New Zealand.

Part of the Scouts Victoria Monster Raffle, the 1st Bannockburn Scouts and 1st Lethbridge Cubs are aiming to send eight members to take part in the 10-day event.

Andrea Dingley, 1st Bannockburn Assistant Leader, said the jamboree will be full of beneficial experiences.

“It’s an experience they’ll never have elsewhere,” she said. “It’s a chance for some of them to go overseas for the very first time and meet other like-minded youth.

“They’ll get to explore and grow as humans. There’ll be lots of expeditions and chances for physical activity with 10 days of camping.

“We’ll be mixed in with the New Zealand scouts, divvied up into their patrol and led by their leaders. If it’s anything like Australia’s, it’ll be all of them coming together under the one national jamboree.”

Each child’s trip will cost nearly $3800 for the jamboree and more than $5100 for a 10-day post-tour of activities arranged by the 1st Bannockburn and 1st Lethbridge leaders.

With more than $950 raised, Ms Dingley said the success of the fundraiser can encourage more kids to attend future jamborees.

“What we don’t make, parents will have to pay the rest. The more we can raise, it means next time parents will be more inclined to send their kids on these trips,” she said.

“These fundraising activities are to help get these kids overseas for new experiences.”

Raffle tickets are $2 each with prizes including a Hyundai Venue, a three-day Uluru trip, an Aquaplanet standup paddle package, and two adult bikes. Tickets can be bought via bit.ly/3P0U0Y0.