Rasoree 2025 unites Scouts with '80s-themed fun

From a relaxed evening under the stars to a burst of colour, Rasoree 2025 had it all!

More than 350 Scouts and Leaders from across the North Coast Region gathered at Camp Eagle Eye in Glenreagh over the weekend for the dynamic Scouting event themed around the bold and colourful spirit of the 1980s.

All participants camped in standing camp style with their home Groups, each constructing unique gateways at their campsites. The combination of 1st Kempsey and 2nd Wauchope Scout Groups took out the prize for best gateway, impressing judges with their creativy and craftmanship.

Weekend of adventure

The event began on Friday night with a Movie Under the Stars, bringing Groups together for a relaxed evening under the open sky. They needed the calm, as the weekend saw a full schedule of adventurous and engaging activities.

Saturday was packed with excitement, including the popular giant slip'n'slide; aerial sock wrestling; mountain biking; escape rooms; and JOTA-JOTI activities.

Youth members showed off their creativity and courage at Scouts Got Talent on Saturday night, followed by a high-energy disco filled with '80s music and dancing.

JOTA-JOTI

Rasoree featured a JOTA-JOTI (Jamboree on the Air-Jamboree on the Internet) base as part of an annual global Scouting event where Scouts connect with others worldwide. Participants connected with Scouts all over the world via amateur radio, as well as in special, secure Minecraft servers. Scouts also played Radio Pac-Man, using walkie-talkies to direct their blindfolded friends around a maze to eat the dots (collect coloured balls).

JOTA-JOTI promotes friendship, teamwork, and cultural exchange through digital communication.

"Camp was awesome – best was the JOTA base," Charley, a Scout from 1st Sawtell Scout Group, said.

Cub Scout Jackson from Camden Haven Scout Group agreed.

"I had so much fun at Rasoree – my favourite parts were playing with kids from other Groups, the escape room, and talking on the computers."

Sunday Funday

The staple of Scout camps started on Sunday morning with a vibrant Market Day, where Groups hosted interactive activties that attendees could enjoy using their Rasoree dollars.

Then, the highlight of the event - the Colour Run! Bright coloured powder went everywhere, with participants (and Leaders!) going home covered in colour and smiles.

Kye, of 1st Kempsey Scout Group, said this was his last all-sections camp as a Scout before he moves up to Venturer Scouts.

"There were so many things to do, like Scouts Got Talent, the JOTA-JOTI base, and Market Day," he said.

"JOTA-JOTI was great – we chatted with Scouts across the country and even the world. Market Day was a highlight, and I want to sincerely thank all the youth who attended – without them, the camp wouldn't have been possible.

"While all were fun, I especially enjoyed the bases in between, like the slip'n'slide, the jumping castle, and even gateway building. Catching up with friends from other Scout Groups that I don't get to see often was great, and I made new friends from all different sections.

"We also want to thank the parent helpers, the Leaders, and especially Harrison for organising the camp."

Rasoree was a celebration of Scouting values, youth empowerment, and the joy of shared adventure – a weekend that will be remembered for years to come.