The weekend rain did not dampen the spirits of 75 dedicated scouts taking part in the Bundaberg Kiwi Woggle camp competition.
Patrols from across Queensland came to Wyper Park Scout Camp to take part in abseiling, archery, canoeing, rope making and a range of other fun activities.
Kiwi Woggle camp chief Greg Galletly said the activities were only part of a weekend of challenges.
“They arrive and set up their campsite, they’re judged on that, their meals, their campfires and skits they do around the campfire,” he said.
“Eventually the winning patrol receives a Woggle trophy, made out of a burl from a tree.”
The scouts take home a replica of the original Kiwi Woggle trophy that has been used since the competition began in 1946.
The camp was named after David Thain Weir (nicknamed Kiwi), who dedicated more than 20 years to scouts, and a woggle is the holder they use to keep their scarves secure.
The 2020 Kiwi Woggle was cancelled due to COVID-19, so organisers continued with the planned Cook 250 theme, in commemoration of 250 years since James Cook visited Australia.
“All the sub-camps are named after places related to Cook, so Botany Bay, Cooktown, 1770 and Endeavour,” Greg said.
Scout Groups came from across Queensland
Aida Peterson has been with the Millbank Scout Group for nearly six years and said she was enjoying the weekend.
“We just did Challenge Valley, it's got rope swings, tyre crossings, water crossings, monkey bars, and a mud pool you have to go through,” Aida said.
“I like doing the camps because we get to go outdoors and set up all these structures, and we get to do different things like abseil, and the food’s good!”
The Dingo Patrol is from The Gap Scout Group in Brisbane and patrol leader Jamie Landolt said they had learned helpful new skills.
“It’s been great. We learned how to make rope, which was pretty cool.
“We also went canoeing, which was pretty fun, the stream was with us so it pushed us along. Then we did a hike back to camp,” Jamie said.
The Kiwi Woggle is held at a different scout camp each year, and representatives from Pialba, Maryborough, Bauple, Kingaroy, Gympie, Noosa, Caloundra, Nambour, Brisbane, Kepnock, Millbank, Moore Park Beach, Gin Gin and Childers were at the event.
As well as 75 scouts, there was a team of around 75 leaders, helpers and older youth volunteers assisting with running activities, cleaning toilets and showers, administration, and cooking for the volunteers.
The winners were: Overall, The Gap Kingfisher Patrol; runners-up, Centenary Gympie Eagle Patrol; Gateway structure winner, The Gap Dingo Patrol; Campfire skit, Caloundra Sandcrab Patrol.
Scout Groups across the region are looking for new members; head to Facebook to find one close to you.
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