Weekend of unforgettable memories at Operation Adventure

Words by event organiser Harrison Winchester

Three adventures. One weekend. Endless memories.

Despite forecasts of wind and rain leading into the weekend, nothing was going to stop the adventure at North Coast Region's Operation Adventure 2026.

As the Scout and Venturer Scout participants arrived on Friday afternoon, the weather put on a welcome surprise. Tents quickly sprang up across Camp Eagle Eye (near Glenreagh, about 35 minutes northwest of Coffs Harbour) before everyone gathered around the campfire to meet new people, settle in and prepare for a huge weekend ahead.

While the campsite slept, activity leaders were already hard at work on Saturday morning. The Vertical team headed out early to rig multiple abseils and climbing routes at the cliff, while the Mountain Biking team prepared bikes and equipment ready for the day's challenges.

Youth members were split into the Red and Blue Units, each spending around three hours immersed in their first adventure before swapping over. Whether they were conquering towering cliffs or tackling challenging mountain bike trails, participants were constantly stepping outside their comfort zones, developing new skills, building confidence and encouraging one another along the way.

The weekend wasn't just about adventurous activities. Before dinner on Saturday, participants put their survival skills to the test by constructing emergency shelters using only the natural materials they could find around the campsite. The challenge required teamwork, creativity and problem-solving as they built shelters capable of protecting them from the cold winter conditions.

For a handful of adventurous participants, building the shelter wasn't enough – they chose to spend the night sleeping in them despite the freezing temperatures and damp conditions. The experience not only challenged them mentally and physically but also contributed towards their Outdoor Adventure Skills progression by completing an overnight stay in a survival shelter.

Sunday continued the momentum with Archery and Orienteering rotations, where participants refined their navigation, decision-making and target shooting skills while enjoying plenty of friendly competition and laughter. Meanwhile, the Vertical team used the opportunity to refresh and practise their self-rescue skills, ensuring they remain prepared to deliver safe and adventurous experiences into the future.

Although periods of rain and strong gusts swept across the camp throughout the weekend, the weather never dampened spirits. The full program ran as planned, with participants embracing every challenge and making the most of every opportunity.

More importantly, Operation Adventure was about far more than climbing cliffs, riding bikes or hitting bullseyes. It was about building confidence, forming new friendships, discovering new passions and proving that some of the best adventures happen when you embrace the unexpected.

Every participant left camp having tried something new, achieved something they didn't think possible and created memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Operation Adventure 2026 was an outstanding success and a fantastic reminder of exactly what Scouting is all about.