Scouts attend Vic Jamboree

Australian actor Rob Mills visits Unit 140 (Pakenham and Mordialloc Scout Groups).

By Jamie Salter

More than 7000 youth members, leaders and support staff across the whole state are still feeling the positive effects of the Victorian Jamboree (Vic Jam).

Pakenham, Lakeside Pakenham, Beaconsfield – Officer, 1st Upper Beaconsfield, 1st Kooweerup and 1st Bunyip were among the scout groups who attended the major event.

The Australian Jamboree brings scout groups from across the nation together for a 11 days of fun, friendship and adventure.

The event is usually held every three years and was moved to Victoria in 2021-22 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Set up like a small town, the scouts have everything they need on site, including a supermarket and welfare hospital as well as a daily printed newspaper and radio station.

Cardinia district development leader Rachel Byron said children form memories to last a lifetime at Vic Jam.

“My 14 year old son Harry went and had a lot of fun,“ she said.

She said it was a chance to complete scout activities outside of the home.

“Because of Covid-19, it was their first chance to get out and about – it was great.“

The Victorian Jamboree took place in Elmore from December 29, 2021 to January 8, 2022.

The previous Jamboree was held in South Australia, 2019, and the next Jamboree will be held in January, 2025 at Maryborough, Queensland.