Backyard Olympics buoys shire scouts' spirits during lockdown

Over 60 Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Venturer Scouts set forth to their backyards to participate in a Camp @ Home weekend, which included activities that tied-in with the denouement of the Tokyo Olympics.

Aaron Tomlins, Scout Leader at 1st Oyster Bay Scout Unit, said the weekend was "a fantastic success" and "everyone had heaps of fun, not just the Scouts but their families as well, who joined in".

Represented groups were 1st Oyster Bay, 1st Alcheringa, 2nd Sutherland, 1st Caringbah and 1st Lilli Pilli Scout Groups.

Participants logged on via video hookup after completing each challenge to share their results.

"During our online catch-ups each Scout got to show us around their campsite, share photos and stories of what they had been up to during their day," said Mr Tomlins.

The challenges included a photo scavenger hunt, writing inspirational messages on the footpath, and playing backyard Olympics - including some creative sports, Combat Kayaking and Park Swing Long Jump.

For dinner, Scouts got into the kitchen to create internationally-themed dinners, which had participants enjoy meals inspired by Italian, Indian, Mexican and South African cuisines.

At night, Scouts made campfires and enjoyed star gazing, then at breakfast, they undertook constructions and pioneering challenges to build Olympic-themed masterpieces which resulted in the erection of some creative catapults and scarecrows.

Parents and families shared photos on a closed Facebook group for participants where everyone got to share in the excitement of the camp.

"It built a great sense of community, and it was fantastic to see the photos of so many smiling Scouts as they enjoyed the challenges and activities of the camp," Mr Tomlins said.