Scouts and rangers learn together at Bunga Arm

Wednesday 3 May, 2023

Over 100 members from Scouts Victoria joined Parks Victoria at Bunga Arm Campground to explore nature and practice caring for Sea and Land Country.

During a week-long camping trip, young people from 1st Ivanhoe Sea Scouts, 1st Victoria Sea Scouts, 4th Beaumaris Sea Scouts, 1st Mordialloc Sea Scouts and Rosebud Sea Scouts, connected with nature and learnt more about the seaside environment and ecosystem surrounding Gippsland Lakes.

Scouts practised hands-on skills in sailing, canoeing, camping and cooking through a wide range of activities.

A young girl holding onto tent poles, setting up the tent

Scouts practiced setting up their tents and campsites

“The event brought many of our troops together for the first time in years” said Tim Wright, 1st Ivanhoe Sea Scouts. “One of the underlying principles of scouting is to learn by doing.”

“Learning while in nature has provided our scouts a great chance to harness new skills and develop a deeper appreciation of the environment.”

13 bright coloured sailboats lined up against the beach shoreline. A dense green bushland follows the beach

Bunga Arm Campground is only accessible by boat. Sea Scouts put their sailing knowledge to the test and for many, helped sail a boat for the first time!

Parks Victoria joined the scouts on a special workshop followed by a beach clean-up of Nine Mile beach.

Two rangers and a scouts leader speaking towards a crowd

Parks Victoria Rangers Darcy and Rowan talking to the scout troops

“It was so encouraging to see scouts enjoy nature and be so willing to care for it” said Community Engagement Ranger, Darcy Truman.

"By seeing the physical impact of litter, it brought home how waste disposal can make a big impact in caring for our parks and environment.”

“Not everyone realises that litter from a suburban street far away in Victoria can end up in our regional parks and beaches. Rubbish impacts many native sea and land creatures like fish and bandicoots surrounding Bunga Arm."

Following the talk, rangers and scouts joined together to collect a rubbish with a focus on collecting micro-plastics.

A faraway shot of many scouts on the beach picking up rubbish

Many Scouts were surprised to learn that litter like plastic bottles can take up to 250 years to decompose

Parks Victoria and Scouts Victoria are proud to partner together to support young people to engage in nature and national parks. Future collaborations will provide scouts an opportunity to participate in sustainable recreational and community activities which benefit both the participants and environment.

To read about the successful Scouts Victoria and Parks Victoria Joey Ranger pilot, visit Celebrating Parks Victoria and Scouts Victoria.

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