1st Ferntree Gully Scout Group
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting is all about helping our youth members to grow and develop into the leader of tomorrow. Scouting builds independence and confidence in our members and 1st Ferntree Gully Scout Group is constantly working towards that target. Our volunteer leader group are all highly trained and motivated to make sure our Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers get the most out of scouting that they can.
Scouting is a worldwide movement that has shaped the development of youth and adults for 100 years. Scouts are in every part of our community, and Scouts is the biggest and most successful youth organisation in Australia. More than 20,000 boys, girls, and adults in Victoria from wide cultural or religious background including those with an intellectual or physical disability enjoy an unlimited range of activities.
The aim of Scouting is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual development of young people so they may play a constructive role in society as responsible citizens and as members of their local and international communities. This aim is achieved through a strong and active program that inspires young people to do their best and to always be prepared.
Scouting’s origins date back to the start of the Twentieth Century. The movement has survived the two World Wars, sweeping social events and the challenges of other influences, to become stronger than ever. It does this by placing the needs of young people first - in a program that can adapt to change. Find out much more about scouting at https://www.vicscouts.com.au
Our Group
1st Ferntree Gully Scout Group currently has around 35 youth members and is made up of all 5 sections of scouting which meet during school terms.
Joey Scouts aged between 5-7 years meet on a Tuesday evening 5:30-6:30pm*
Cub Scouts aged between 8-10 years, meet on a Tuesday evening 6:30-8:00pm*
Scouts aged between 11-14 years meet on a Thursday evening 7:00 – 9:00pm
Venturer Scouts aged between 15-17 meet on a Thursday evening 7:00 – 9:00pm
Rover Scouts aged between 18-25 years
We have a fabulous team of volunteer leaders all of whom bring an enormous amount of experience to each unit. We would always welcome new leaders to any section of the group and for the parents who were maybe youth members themselves, (all those years ago!) might like to consider putting a uniform back on and come and be involved once again in the fun and working with the youth.
The Leaders from all sections enjoy meeting with parents and we welcome you to come in a say hello before a meeting night or during pick up time.
*Please note that the Joey and Cub sections require a parent (or guardian) to sign your child in and out of the meeting.
Latest News
Scouts prepare for the 25th Australian Jamboree
Our Scout section (11-14 year olds) have a big year ahead of them - preparing for the Australian Jamboree in Maryborough, Queensland, early in January 2025. They have a whole lot of camping to get in so that they can meet their 10-nights under canvas requirement and earn their Milestone 1 badge.
Scouts who have attended a Jamboree consistently tell us that it was the best time of their lives. All the hard work in preparation, then almost two weeks of fun activities, shows and concerts every night, camping with 39 of your closest friends, making new friends among the 9,000 participants and learning new skills all make for a once in a lifetime experience for most scouts.
Previous AJ's have been plagued with hot dry weather, drenching rain and all combinations between those, but thats all part of the challenge of a Jamboree. No matter the weather, no matter the challenges that are posed, a Jamboree is an event for our youth to shine. Parents often remark that their kids have matured two years in two weeks. Most scouts don't even realise that the Jamboree is making them better people - more independent, more confident and better leaders - all while having weeks of fun!
Out scouts can look forward to all types of activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, robotics and drones, cooking, high ropes, mud baths, obstacle courses (challenge valley), sailing, rock-climbing, abseiling and many, many more fun activities.
Some photos of the unit that 1st Ferntree Gully formed with 1st Bennettswood and Mont Albert Scout Groups at the 2022 Victorian Jamboree (that took the place of the cancelled Australian Jamboree in 2022 - due to COVID)
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