General News
23 July, 2024
Scouts celebrate with activities and awards
New members were welcomed, graduations, awards and accomplishments celebrated, and activities of the past year reviewed at the 1st Rainbow Scout Group's annual awards, reports and presentation (ARAP) evening recently.
The Cubs have a new leader, Jess Hollamby, as well as Xavier Hollamby and Hayden Clugston in their ranks, and the Scouts have been joined by Jacob and William Boyle
Tyler Webb and Edison Stasinowsky graduated from Cubs to Scouts during the year, and Kolby Bigham and Adalyn Clugston graduated at the ARAP.
Adalyn also received her Grey Wolf Award - the highest award available to Cubs.
Adalyn is the first 1st Rainbow Cub to earn the Grey Wolf Award since the new program was introduced, so it was a learning curve for both her and her mentors.
Leader Claire “Akela” Roll said it was an absolute pleasure to present Adalyn with the award.
“Adalyn has attended a lot of Scout activities that the 10-year-old Cubs were invited to, and her confidence, leadership and skills have risen,” Ms Roll said.
“It has been a lot of hard work.
“Congratulations to Adalyn for earning her Grey Wolf.”
The Cubs and Scouts have all been busy attending hikes and camps as part of their activity requirements, including Cuboree in September and camping at Nicholas Point, Yaapeet, Kiata and Mt Arapiles.
Scouts and older Cubs went to Gilweroo, Horsham’s Regional Scout Camp, Jamboree On The Air and a four-night camp at Aurua in Dimboola for their pre-Jamboree requirements.
The Cubs earnt their Level 1 Paddlers in February, with assistance from 1st Warracknabeal Scout Group, which allowed the Rainbow Scouts to take the lead and pass on their knowledge and skills to the next generation.
“Both the Cubs and the Scouts have been busy with the core outdoor adventuring skills and l am very proud of them all for having a go and supporting each other,” Ms Roll said.
“It has also been great to hand out SIAs for Murphy’s backyard birds project, Adalyn’s afternoon tea and robotics, and Edison’s tennis.”
Special interest areas (SIAs) encourage members from all sections to try new challenges and pursue existing interests to greater depths.
"We had a great district bowling day, with the Rainbow Scouts taking home the trophy,” Ms Roll said.
“We also had the dads and friends frisbee golf tournament, mothers and friends wreath-making, and visits to the CFA and to the elderly at the hospital.
“We participated in the town Remembrance Day and Anzac Day services, and this year we led the hospital’s Anzac Day service - a very proud moment.”
There are now seven Scouts and four Cubs in Rainbow, and more Scouts leaders are needed to keep the activity programs running smoothly.
“Our group is only as good as the programs we can offer,” Ms Roll said.
“We have Cubs covered but if we want a great Scout unit then we need a dedicated leader to work with us and give them the full adventure that Scouting can offer them.
“If you think you have time and passion to be a leader we would love to hear from you.
“A huge thank you to the parents who have helped out.
“We have an amazing committee who have fundraised to help support the Scouts and leaders attending Jamboree in 2025, and to support the running of the group.
“And a massive thank you to Gunner and Jess for their support, new ideas and help with the group.
“Their enthusiasm helps this group to do amazing things.”