For most teenagers, organising a two-week trip to one of Western Australia’s most remote national parks would be a daunting task.
But for Riverton Venturer Scout Callum Abbey, a 17-year-old, it is a challenge he has embraced, and something that has brought the group closer together.
In September, the Riverton Venturers Scouts will travel to Karijini National Park, a rugged space of ancient gorges and spectacular waterfalls.
The trip is the biggest the group has ever attempted, and one that Callum has been leading from the very start.
“This is the largest project or camp I’ve led, so I have learnt lots of new skills in leadership and organisation,” he said.
“It is also the most planning we have had to put into a trip. Our longest trip to date was a five-day hike, so this is over double what we’ve done before.”
The Karijini adventure was made possible through the Leadership Through Adventure Fund, an initiative of Scouts Australia that supports young leaders to organise ambitious trips to places that would otherwise be out of reach.
The grant covered about 60 percent of the cost, leaving the Venturers with a $6000 fundraising target to make the trip possible for all members.
So far, the community has rallied behind them, with donations coming from members of the public, local businesses and even through donated 10-cent containers. BCF Cannington has provided a voucher, while Grill’d Waterford included the group in its Local Matters program. The Venturers have also rolled up their sleeves for sausage sizzles, cleaned their scout hall and worked hard to close the gap.
The Riverton Venturers are a mixed group of boys and girls aged 14 to 18, meeting each Thursday night at Riverton Scout Hall.
Some have been in Scouts since they were five years old, while others are newcomers to the program.
All share a love for the outdoors and a willingness to take on new challenges, whether it is a tree planting, abseiling, rock climbing or multiday hikes.
What makes the Venturers program unique, Callum explained, is that young people plan and lead their own activities, from local service projects to national and even international adventures. Leaders guide the process but step back when the activity begins, leaving the Venturers to take responsibility for decision-making and problem-solving.
“We are able to have independence and problem-solving skills which we learn through leaders not coming on our camps and hikes,” he said. “This means we are trusted to lead and to solve any issues that arise when things don’t go to plan.”
For many members, the program has already brought unforgettable experiences. Callum lists sailing on the STS II Leeuwin, trekking in Exmouth, hiking the Bibbulmun and Cape to Cape tracks, and attending the Victorian Venture among his highlights. The annual group camp, where all sections of the Riverton Scout Group come together, is another favourite.
But Karijini will be something entirely new.
As well as exploring the park’s famous gorges, the group will join a guided canyoning tour that will take them to area not open to the public.
Along the way, they will stop in Newman to meet the local Venturer unit, building connections with other Scouts from across the State.
Callum said he is most looking forward to seeing Karijini for the first time and sharing the experience with his fellow Venturers.
“It offers heaps of the new opportunities for those attending,” he said.
“We have never been to the Karijini, and it offers a lot of adventurous activities as well as being a remote destination.”
The Venturers see the trip not just as a destination, but about the skills, friendships and confidence gained along the way; qualities that will stay with them long after they return home.
Anyone wishing to contribute can contact the Riverton Scout Group directly to arrange a donation.
