Get excited: Billy and Jayden, of 1st North Shepparton Scouts.
Members of 1st North Shepparton Scouts are among the thousands of kids converging from all across the state for a life-changing experience at the Victorian Scout jamboree, VicJam.
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“This is a key event for scouts to reconnect with Scouting. VicJam is a great opportunity for our Scouts to challenge themselves to new things like rock climbing, water activities, caving and axe throwing,” deputy chief commissioner for youth Matt Ellis said.
The Scouts will be getting involved in outdoor activities and fun for 11 days at the Elmore Events Centre, from December 29, 2021, to January 8, 2022.
Abseiling: Jayden from 1st North Shepparton Scouts scales a cliff.
With a $5.5 million budget, VicJam activities will take the Scouts all over Victoria, for on-site and off-site activities that include overnight expeditions.
“Our Scouts have created and picked their activities and have been involved in the planning of this event over the last four years,” Mr Ellis said.
“All Scouts leaving VicJam will improve on their leadership and teamwork, which allows them to carry resilience into their everyday life.”
Just a few of the activities on offer include rock climbing and abseiling at Harcourt, hiking and biking in Spring Gully, and an expedition on the bike paths around Bendigo. They’ll explore Echuca, from historic paddle steamer rides to the iconic Echuca Ice Creamery.
There is also an activity base at Moira Park in Shepparton.
VicJam has collaborated with Greater Shepparton City Council and local environment community groups to provide service to the local environment and enrich the kids' outlook on environmental issues.
All Scouts and Venturers also get a day at Funfields Theme Park, Whittlesea. And the hot weather will make the water activities at Lake Nagambie a favourite.
VicJam was originally to be the 26th Australian Jamboree. But because of COVID-19 border closures and lockdowns causing uncertainty and risk, in January, 2021, Scouts Victoria pivoted to create VicJam, an event for Victorian Scouts (plus 40 from NSW, and one from Queensland).
VicJam kicked off with a big opening ceremony, including an appearance by Australian actor and writer Shane Jacobson, Victoria’s Chief Scout.
Chief Scout: Shane Jacobson kicks off VicJam.
The event will host a total of nearly 4500 people including 2900 Scouts (aged 11 to 14), 450 Venturer Scouts (aged 15 to 18) and 1100 adult volunteers.
Visitor days are from January 1 to January 3 for thousands of friends and family members, and the public, to come along, while January 3 to 7 will see more than 2000 Cub Scouts and 400 leaders visit from across Victoria.
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