General News
25 January, 2025
Rainbow scouts take part in Jamboree adventure
Five participants from Rainbow were among the 12 Wimmera scouts, venturers, and leaders who attended the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree (AJ2025).
Five participants from Rainbow were among the 12 Wimmera scouts, venturers, and leaders who attended the 26th Australian Scout Jamboree (AJ2025).
The Rainbow contingent included three leaders and two scouts, joining over 10,000 participants from across Australia and the world in Maryborough, Queensland from January 6 to 15.
The 10-day event brought together scouts from as far as New Zealand, Canada, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Korea.
Alongside the Rainbow team, four participants from Horsham and three from Warracknabeal proudly represented the Wimmera region.
Ten Wimmera participants travelled to and from Queensland by bus, departing and returning to Horsham, as it was recommended for leaders and venturers to take the bus.
They left at 5 am on January 5, and came back on January 17.
Rainbow leader Claire Roll described the experience as “amazing, though tiring and exhausting.”
Ms Roll led a unit of 36 scouts and six leaders, including international participants from New Zealand and a carer.
“This was my third Jamboree, and the highlights were catching up with old friends, making new ones, and supporting youth throughout the event,” she said.
For two Rainbow scouts, Adalyn and Jasper, the event has sparked inspiration to attend the World Jamboree in the future.
Ms Roll also encouraged others to join scouts, emphasising the life-changing benefits of the program.
“Scouting builds independence, confidence, life skills, and new friendships,” she said.
“It’s an adventure that takes you to incredible places.”
The AJ2025 site resembled a small city, complete with a concert arena, activity zones, a marketplace, and even a media hub.
Two Wimmera participants along with over 200 self-contained units of scouts and leaders made the campsite come alive, creating endless opportunities for fun and growth.
This year marked the first time venturers, aged 15 and 16, were invited as program participants, joining scouts in the action-packed program designed to enhance physical, emotional, and social development.
Reflecting on the event, Ms Roll said, “It was a great experience to take these Wimmera kids to another part of Australia. What they have gained will stay with them for a lifetime.”
The Jamboree proved to be not just a camping event, but a journey of personal and collective growth, leaving lasting memories for all involved.