Scouts Plan MudSliding Fun

MEDIA RELEASE

20 February 2008

Scouts Plan MudSliding Fun

Scouts are once again preparing for a day of MudSliding fun as part of their annual Founder’s Day celebrations on 23 February.

Scout groups throughout the country make their own mudslide arrangements, which can, in some areas, pose logistical challenges. According to Scouts CEO Chris Hooper, “In some areas, water restrictions or a flat location mean that Scouts will have to improvise to achieve a good mudslide. In some places, we expect to see a combination of horizontal bungees, inner-tubes and plastic sheeting as well as lots of wet and happy young people.”

For many, the MudSlides provide an introduction to Scouts and an opportunity to join a fun activity with others, overseen by a group of responsible adults. “We know that MudSlides appeal to practically everyone, and we were delighted last year to see parents, aunties, uncles and sometimes grandparents following the lead of younger family members and earn their MudSlide badges,” says Chris Hooper.

One of the outcomes of last year’s MudSlides was a significant boost in membership enquiries from parents and young people. For the first time in 25 years, Scouting membership showed an increase across each of its age groups, from Keas (6-8 year-olds) to Rovers (18-26yrs). According to Hooper, “While Scouts at Kea level is mostly about fun and games, as young people progress through Cubs and Scouts to Venturers and Rovers, activities are directed toward achieving goals and attempting challenges they have never faced before, with an emphasis on planning and developing leadership qualities. We know that the Scout National Schools, such as the Flying School, the Mountaincraft School, the Photography School and others have standards of achievement, which carry professional recognition. Apart from the friendship and camaraderie characteristic of Scouting worldwide, it is the opportunity to achieve high-level skills and recognition which is providing the impetus for increasing membership to Scouts amongst young adults.”

MudSlides have become an annual event in the Scouting calendar and are open to all members of the public, free of charge.

ENDS

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