NSW Scouts make memories at State Rally 2023

More than 1700 Scouts from across NSW descended on the Cataract Activity Centre in Appin on Friday for the start of the 2023 State Rally.

The largest annual event for Scouts aged 11-14 in NSW featured a range of challenging activities across the weekend.

Pitching tents was the first order of business for Scouts upon arrival, before embarking on caving, rock climbing, flying fox, obstacle courses and homemade escape room challenges across the weekend.

Each activity involved friendly competition, with Scouts winning points by completing activities for their Patrol.

Adding to the outdoor activities of the State Rally, Scouts hiked between the activity bases positioned throughout the 160ha site during the day, then made camp in the early afternoon on Saturday ready to face the next series of challenges on Sunday morning.

Night-time activities were also a hit, with Scouts able to let down their hair and party with their friends. A DJ, bonfire and other night activities ensured the fun did not stop when the sun set.

At the end of the weekend, the top prize was taken out by 1st Turramurra Scout Group's Patrol 1, with "The Lindfield Lads" from 1st Lindfield Scout Group picking up second and "Jerray 2" from 1st Jerrabomberra Scout Group securing third.

Organisers Mitchell Stubbs and Charlotte Gleeson said this year's State Rally theme was "Around the World in 3 days", with the event giving Scouts a memorable experience full of fun and challenging adventures, while building and developing their outdoor adventure skills and meeting fellow Scouts.

"Our youth members were so excited for this year's State Rally, which was one of the biggest we have seen, with more than 1700 Scouts, Leaders and supporters attending," Mitchell, who is also State Commissioner – One Program at Scouts NSW, said.

"The State Rally was another opportunity to build on last year's event, allowing Scouts to reconnect with their peers, get outdoors and just have fun."

Older Scouts were able to develop leadership and mentoring skills in supporting younger members, with older Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts managing each activity and supported by adult Scout Leaders.

Scout Units from Dubbo, Kyogle, Murwillumbah, Jerrabomberra, Newcastle and, of course, Sydney joined Scouts from across NSW.

For many participants, State Rally is the first opportunity to meet and make friends with Scouts from outside their own Region.

Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Lloyd Nurthen said: "State Rally provides an opportunity for participants and Leaders to explore new ideas, meet people and, most of all, have fun and create memorable experiences."

Sign-up, volunteer and join today: scoutsnsw.com.au