AJ2013

You may recall that 3 years ago my little Scout headed off for a huge adventure - AJ2010 in Sydney. Fast forward 3 years and my taller-than-me Scout has just come home from AJ2013 in Maryborough in Queensland.

Once again, she had a blast. I am in awe at the dedication of ALL leaders (not just from our Scout Hall) who give their time and their holidays to make sure 11,500 scouts have a simply amazing time. And the activities and the entertainment were simply amazing - Timomatic, Reece Mastin, Josh Thomas, Cosentino, Jessica Mauboy, Justice Crew.....we really got value for money!

She came home absolutely filthy and some of her clothes are currently in the washing machine for the second time. It was hot, the humidity was unbearable at times (especially when you are not used to it) but she wouldn't have missed a second. She talked non-stop from the moment we picked her up from the airport to the moment she crashed on the couch - and slept for 4hrs.

For 10 days I was glued to Facebook, getting updates from 2 pages - the SA contingent and the AJ2013 page. My Scout didn't feature but it was lovely to know what type of activities she was participating in. I did get a couple of phone calls, and 2 emails (that told me very little but at least I knew she was still alive).

Her troop was made up of Scouts from her own group + 2 others. She has made firm friends with girls from the other groups which I hope will continue. She has been independent and learned to fend for herself and I really hope that will continue too!

This year she moves up to the next section, Venturers. She has been looking forward to it for the last few months but now it is tinged with sadness as she leaves her good friends behind. A few will join her during the course of the year though, so that will be something to look forward to.


I know I have said it before, but Scouts has been terrific for my daughter. I would recommend it to anyone.