Surviving The Surf - Scouts Raft Race

Surviving The Surf - Scouts Raft Race

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Browns Bay Beach came alive on Sunday morning to the sound of over 500 people involved with the annual North Shore Scouts raft race. Scouts and Cubs from 12 groups from Devonport to Warkworth turned up to compete in the largest event seen for many years - which this year also marks the centenary for the scout movement. The scouts had to construct their craft from scratch and then complete a circuit of the boys off Browns Bay Beach - all in challenging sea conditions. After an incident packed start, nine craft made it round the course, with three falling victim to the sea! Line honours went to Sunnynook (1st & 3rd) and Mairangi Bay (2nd) Scout Groups.

The junior scouting sections of Keas Scouts and Cubs meanwhile competed to build the best sand sculpture, adding various new features to Browns Bay Beach. The ultimate winners where the Cubs from All Saints Scout Group of Northcote, who built themselves a Submarine, and the Keas from Taihinu Sea Scout Group.

The event was a resounding success, with much fun had, and many lessons learnt along the way. The raft race is just one of the numerous activities the scouts get involved with during the year. For more information on Scouts in your area phone 0800 SCOUTS or visit www.scouts.org.nz.

Further Info:
Scouting as a worldwide movement turns 100 years old on 1 August 2007. This is the centenary of the first camp held by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting.

Every World Scouting Organisation member will commemorate this centennial year, and use it to promote the Scouting movement nationally.

This is the opportunity for all Scout Groups in New Zealand to shine, and show everyone what Scouting is all about.

But most of all, the centenary is our celebration, to be enjoyed by all current members, and to have fun.

Geoff Knighton
Chief Executive
Scouting New Zealand

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