Scouting is about growth and development. With a strong focus on the Outdoors it was time our Cubs challenged themselves to push further, explore and have fun within the Wombat State Forest.
Joining our friends from the Bacchus Marsh & 3rd Melton Cub Units the Cubs found themselves standing at Nolan's Picnic Ground in the misty rain ready to explore and enjoy the Forest while participating in Djerriwarrh District Cub Hike & Camp. Following the Great Dividing Trail the Cubs had fun walking through the Forest as the rain stopped, the cloud lifted and the sky turned blue, offering them a true natural sensory experience where they could hear the river flowing, see the views, feel the wet flora, smell the forest and taste the fresh air.
The more they walked the more the talked. The more they talked the more they learnt about the forest, the local history and about themselves. It was a wonderful weekend that really challenged the Cubs to achieve and have a lot of fun.
Even though is was wet, it wasn't cold and the Cubs thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to simply be together while bushwalking through the Forest.
While the Wombat State Forest is a beautiful destination, the terrain can be challenging at times. On many occasions throughout the walk the Cubs found themselves pushing through overgrown vegetation next to the track, crossing creeks, climbing hills and cruising along the contoured walking track.
The more they walked together the more they learnt about each other as they expanded and developed their friendships through conversation, laughter, food and simply enjoying the natural Forest environment together.
Throughout the walk, most of the infrastructure was in good condition, however on occasions the Cubs were required to be thrifty as they accessed nature to create their own paths to safely continue the Forest walk.
While getting to and from the Lerderderg River's Secret Pool ... our lunch destination ... was a challenge requiring persistence, teamwork and initiative, we were rewarded with a stunning secluded Forest destination with a private waterfall, offering everyone an opportunity to simply relax, eat, enjoy and skim rocks.
Although we were knackered, towards the end of the day we had to conquer one last challenge ... the biggest uphill of the day. Arriving at the Lerderderg River we played, ate and relaxed before climbing up, up and even more up towards Barry Reef our final destination for the day. It was tiring but we eventually got there.
As tough as the day was, it was enjoyable and a lot of fun with everyone being rewarded with a delicious dinner and an awesome campfire while relaxing at Barry's Reef Scout Camp.
After a sensational night's sleep, everyone woke up the next day ready to go again. So after breakfast the Cubs picked up their backpacks, and walked back down to the Lerderderg River, where they once again played before continuing along the Lerderderg Heritage Walking Trail.
Today's walk continued to contour above the Lerderderg River and under the ferns making it an enjoyable nature experience for all.
Today, a self-made lunch was enjoyed by all outside the Garden of St. Erth, before heading back into the Wombat State Forest where the Cubs located an old Miner's Hut from the Victorian Gold Rush days. This hut was awesome and everyone had fun exploring and discovering how people lived back in the 1800's while looking for Gold in the area.
Then finally ... after two enjoyable days of walking, exploring and discovering the Wombat State Forest ... the Cubs arrived at their final destination, the Blackwood Mineral Springs. It had been a magnificent achievement by all, a fantastic Scouting experience, a fun adventure and a great opportunity for developing friendships and knowledge. The Cubs had accepted the challenge, pushed themselves through barriers and successfully completed their Djerriwarrh District Cub Hike & Camp.
