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Scouts News  March 2016

Caring for the environment

The Scout Law requires that "a scout cares for the environment".  As such Landcare is a recognised specialist badge in our ward scheme.

 In line with this the Scouts have adopted a patch of ground to rehabilitate on the corner of Niree Parade that runs down to the beach foreshore.  With the support of Landcare, the area will be cleared of weeds at which point the Scouts can begin replanting native species from the area.

 It was fitting that in celebrating Founder's Day, 22nd February, covering 109 years of scouting and the birth of Baden Powell that the Scouts were visited by Nel Smit and Bridget Jupe from the Kingborough Council/Landcare to continue the project.  The scouts spent the evening learning about habitats and native plants that would thrive in the project area.

 Cuttings of pig face were taken from the foreshore for propagation along with dozens of new plants.  The Scouts also tasted the flower of the pig face, a known aboriginal food source, apparently it tasted like ripe banana.  They also planted native seeds of several varieties, including poa grass.  The final activity was making seed bombs with some lovely sticky Taroona clay.  They then rolled it in a combination of seeds and "bombed" the nearby bush land.

 This will be an ongoing project and involving other sections of the Taroona Scout Group.  Eventually the area will be plant out and the new seedlings tended to.  The area will provide a safe haven for natives such as the bandicoot that make their nests amongst the grasses.  The photo shows a group of Scouts and parent helper, Donna Simkin, sowing seeds for germination and planting.

Taroona Scouts at work

Extension to Scout Hall

You may have seen that Action Builders has completed the garage extension to the Scout hall.  The extension provides very much easier access to store our trailers and water craft and free up an area to provide more flexibility for youth training exercises. 

The extension is possible due to a generous grant of $40,488 from the Tasmanian Community Fund that represents the majority funding of the nearly $52,000 project.  The next step is for the Group to pave the front area and line and fit out the old storage area for training, providing more flexibility for youth training exercises; in particular, section patrol break-out areas.  

Simon backs the water craft trailer into the new storage space

Group Leader, Simon Stephens, proudly backing a trailer laden with water craft into the extension,

an easy operation compared with the past manual manoeuvring with very limited clearances to old walls and ceilings.

If you would like any information concerning the Taroona Scout Group or are interesting in youth membership or a leader role please contact either Mike Green 6227 9139 or Janet 0400 297 646.