Home

Katanning scouts back in the bush

Headshot of Sarah Makse
Sarah MakseGreat Southern Herald
Cub Scouts Kaylee Sander, 10, Harrison Woithe, 9, Thomas Dennis, 9, Nicholas Lane, 10, and Zavier Potter, 8, hiking at Bellakin Hill.
Camera IconCub Scouts Kaylee Sander, 10, Harrison Woithe, 9, Thomas Dennis, 9, Nicholas Lane, 10, and Zavier Potter, 8, hiking at Bellakin Hill. Credit: Supplied./Supplied.

The First Katanning Scout Group was back in the bush last week for the first time since March after a statewide ban on face-to-face meetings was finally lifted.

Despite normal operations being put on hold across WA during the COVID-19 crisis, some resourceful scout leaders replaced the Katanning group’s in-person meetings with virtual scouting from home.

Joeys, cubs and scouts took part in a range of online activities in April including cooking, craft, knot skills, sign language and community service projects.

Cub Scout Tom Dennis, 9, participating in an online cub meeting from his home.
Camera IconCub Scout Tom Dennis, 9, participating in an online cub meeting from his home. Credit: Supplied/Supplied.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The scouts even took part in a world record attempt for the most people camping in their backyard at once.

Cub leader Elle Maesepp said her troop had used the time to write letters to vulnerable members of the community.

“It was fantastic that we were able to keep Scouting and keep connected through the isolation period, but nothing beats the joy of being able to be back together doing what we love,” she said.

Joey leader Mark Sander said virtual scouting ensured the kids kept connected during a challenging time.

“For some children during the lockdown period, our weekly online meeting was the only time all week that they saw another child their own age,” he said.

“It was really important to maintain that social contact and sense of normality for the youth over this time.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails