The weather was perfect for SCOUT FEST 2023 at Rowallan Park on August 19 and 20. On Saturday, there were 203 public participants and 258 Scouting members, along with six Guiding youth and three leaders who joined the activities.
Leaders and youth members from Calliope and Tannum Sands enjoyed the weekend, along with youth and leaders from Proserpine, Sarina, Mackay City Central, and Banksia Groups. Visiting leaders from Brisbane, Townsville, and Yeppoon were also present, and their expertise was appreciated in running activities.
SCOUT FEST occurs biennially, providing youth the chance to experience various adventurous activities during a single weekend camp, which is different from a group camp where only one or two activities might be available.
Region Commissioner Mr. Dougal McWhinney and Hibiscus Coast District Commissioner Ms. Katrina Hoare were pleased with the turnout. They acknowledged the help from leaders, parents, supporters, the Rowallan Park Committee, and the Fellowship Team. Thanks to the Rowallan Park works team, the grounds were safe for all attendees.
Mayor Greg Williamson and Councillors Karen May and Fran Mann attended the opening parade and toured Rowallan Park's facilities. Mayor Williamson expressed gratitude to Scouting for providing facilities and opportunities to the youth of Mackay and District.
Special acknowledgment went to the District Adventurous Activities Team, experts in abseiling, water activities, archery, low ropes courses, and bouldering. The weekend featured additional activities like mud runs, popcorn making, damper twists, wood burning with magnifying glass using the sun, Bunnings craft, giant games, geocaching, rafting on the small dam, canoeing on the larger dam, mud runs, mountain bike riding, rope bridge challenges, crate stacking, and the merry-go-round. A memorabilia display was also part of the event.
A parade was held for presentations, followed by a delightful barbecue tea and celebration cake. Evening activities included disco dancing to favourites like the Macarena and Nutbush, a jumping castle for younger attendees, and horizontal bungee for the older youth members.
Activities for Scouting members continued on Sunday.
Congratulations to DC Katrina and her SCOUT FEST organising committee for creating a remarkable event for Scouting Youth and the public to enjoy.
Contributed by Mary Wallace
Photos contributed
