Isaac, a new Scout, produced this great artwork inspired by the harbour and the south coast and the challenges these marine environments face. Scouts Aotearoa has introduced a Better World achievement pathway which sits alongside the Adventure Skill and Capstone Awards.

The Better World Framework is designed to help youth make a difference to their community and environment. Isaac is working towards the Oceans badge. The programme has three parts;

• Experience: Learn about an issue that is interesting to you. Find out about how it affects people, and what you can do to help.
• Act: Participate in, Assist with, or Lead a project that helps with the issue you’ve been learning about. Remember to Plan, Do, and Review every part of your project.
• Share: Share what you have done with others, and let them know how they can get involved.

We are already in the third week of term 2!? Tonight the Cubs got busy with their first construction project – insect hotels. A wide range of interior decors were created – so even the fussiest bug could find a home to suit them! Surprisingly, no fingers were harmed by hammers either?

The Tongariro Northern Circuit (one of the New Zealand Great Walks), is a three to four day tramp. It was energetically undertaken by 13 of our Scout youth (with various adult family members tagging along) on the last weekend of the school holidays. Combined with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the walk incorporates some stunning volcanic alpine scenery.

In the face of (heavy) showers and shortening daylight, we managed to eat over 100 sausages at Shorland Park, Island Bay – while getting to know whānau and playing some games!

On Saturday afternoon, thirteen Keas did a fantastic job of using all the skills they had learned in Term 1 to lead their expedition on the City to Sea walkway.   They checked their maps at Kingston, confirmed their route to Island Bay,  made sure they had their snacks, water and spare clothing,  and off we went in two teams with kaiarahi and parents in support.   Every kea had a chance to lead their team, and work out which way to go.   We had great views of the hills and Cook Strait, saw weta, kaka (but no whales).  We stopped for drinks and snacks at the water reservoirs, and finished at the Island Bay playground.   Heaps of fun.   New kea Miles said “it was the best walk of my life”.  

Term 2 Keas starts on Tuesday 3 May 5.30pm at the scout hall.   New members:  to get on the wait list, please register your interest via http://brooklynscouts.org.nz/join/