Walking laps for international Scouts

Members of 1st Frenchs Forest Scout Group put their walking shoes on to support Scouts affected by earthquakes. The 27 youth members – 19 Cub Scouts, five Scouts and three Venturer Scouts – took part in a Lap-a-Thon, raising $2055.45 to support the recovery and rebuilding of Scouting in Myanmar and Thailand following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in March. The World Organisation of the Scout Movement asked Scouts worldwide to support those Scouts in urgent need of financial aid. In Australia, a unique, limited-edition blanket badge was created, with all proceeds of the badges to be donated to the WOSM appeal. At 1st Frenchs Forest, Cub Scout Leader Akela (Lynne) likes the youth to collect event/activity badges to sew on their camp blankets to remember special experiences/events – telling another part of their individual Scouting journey.

To earn the badge, Akela, Shada (Alicia – Assistant Cub Scout Leader) and Chil (Pete – Group Leader) came up with the Lap-a-Thon to encourage the Cub Scouts to think about other people and communities, and to help when they have a hardship.

The youth members of the Group approached their families and friends to either be sponsored per lap for the number of laps they completed in an hour or a straight donation. As well as raising funds for affected Scouts, it also allowed the members to earn the blanket badge.

What did the participants think about the event?

Venturer Scout Braidey: “I felt proud to help fundraise by doing the Lap-a-Thon. It’s not just about the money though, it’s about showing the Scouts in Myanmar and Thailand that we’ve got their back, especially when they’ve lost so much. We’re all one big Scouting family.”

Cub Scout Andy: “The raised money can help the earthquake survivors to get clean water, food and shelters, and new Scout things.”

Cub Scout Feleki: “It felt good to participate and raise money to be helpful to the Scouts in Thailand. I enjoyed running and getting lollies while talking with my friends.”

Cub Scout Evan: “I enjoyed crossing the line each lap and getting food/drinks was like getting a trophy.”

Cub Scout Alex: “I enjoyed the Lap-a-Thon event because I love running. I managed to run further than I thought I would. It is good to help the Cub Scout Groups that have lost their hall and equipment. We hope they can get the Group started again.”