Leadership Through Adventure Fund

Noosa Everglades Canoe Trip

What began as an ambitious idea during Scouts eventually became a remarkable achievement more than two years later, with a team of Venturer Scouts completing a four-day canoe expedition through the Noosa Everglades, supported by the Dick and Pip Smith – Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF).

While still a Scout, young Patrol Leader Juanita first began planning the canoe trip as part of an Adventurous Journey (AJ). Encouraged by her mum, she applied for an LTAF grant to help cover the costs of the expedition. Not long after submitting the application, she received the exciting news that her grant application had been successful.

However, as the paperwork for approval progressed, it became clear that additional training and qualifications would be needed if Juanita was to lead the journey herself rather than rely on an external guide. At the same time, she also needed to complete Bushwalking Stage 5 in order to achieve her Australian Scout Award, which required planning and undertaking a three-day hike with her patrol.

Recognising the importance of building her leadership and outdoor skills first, Juanita made the difficult decision to decline the grant, place the canoe expedition on hold, and instead focus on planning and completing a three-day bushwalking Adventurous Journey.

After successfully completing the hike and earning her Australian Scout Award, an unexpected opportunity arose. The Chair of the LTAF Committee contacted her to ask whether she would still be interested in planning and undertaking the original Noosa Everglades canoe expedition.

Determined to make the journey happen, and to Lead it herself. She knew further paddling qualifications would be essential. After discussing the challenge with “Stretch”, a canoe guide and leader from Noosa Sea Scouts, and with his encouragement and support, Juanita decided to commit fully to the goal.

Over the following months, she completed SP Paddling at Brownsea, TP Paddling at Hervey Bay, and Basic Water Rescue training at Samford. She also gained valuable practical experience through paddle trips with Noosa Sea Scouts and Kawana Scouts, while dedicating many hours to online learning and first aid training.

During the summer holidays of 2024–2025, planning for the expedition began again — this time with the skills, qualifications, and confidence needed to lead the adventure successfully. After gaining final approval, the long-awaited expedition was finally ready to go.

In July 2025, two and a half years after first imagining the canoe trip, everything was in place. Five Venturers from Cooroy and Kawana Scout Groups departed the Cooroy Scout Den bright and early to begin their four-day canoe expedition through the spectacular Noosa Everglades.

The journey began at Harry’s Hut, where the group’s first challenge arrived almost immediately. Upon arrival, the patrol’s first mission was to assist Juanita’s brother, Marcus, and his patrol, who were hiking in the same area, to cross the river safely.

Heavy rain had begun to fall, visibility was poor, and Marcus and his patrol had failed to arrive at the designated meeting point. Turning on the radio, Juanita was immediately met with a call for help. Having hiked the same trail the previous year, she asked Marcus to describe their surroundings and was quickly able to determine the area where the patrol had become stranded.

With support from her dad, who had been helping unload the canoes, the pair set out to locate the patrol. Overnight rain had inundated the trail, and with the forest floor covered in palm fronds beneath a dark winter sky, the Scouts could no longer identify the track. While maintaining radio contact, Juanita instructed the patrol to continually blow their whistles so they could be located more easily.

Once Marcus and his patrol were safely recovered, everyone regrouped at Harry’s Hut. Despite being soaked and cold, spirits remained high. The Scouts were relieved to warm up and dry off, while Juanita and her patrol were pleased to help transport Marcus’s patrol and their packs safely across the river using the canoes. With assistance from Mao of Nambour Scout Group, the crossing was completed successfully.

With the rescue complete, it was finally time for Juanita and her patrol to begin their own expedition into the Everglades. After several hours of paddling up the Noosa River, the patrol arrived at their first campsite and hurried to set up shelter before the rain returned. Dinner that evening was curry and naan bread, followed by music, conversation, and an early night.

Day Two brought a welcome change in weather, with sunshine replacing the rain. The patrol took their time packing up camp, drying tents in the morning sun and enjoying breakfast before setting off once more. During the day, they reunited with Marcus and his patrol for a second river crossing as the Scouts completed their own journey. Tired, muddy, and exhausted, the Scouts were grateful for the assistance. That evening, Juanita and her patrol settled into camp beside the river, sharing spaghetti for dinner before playing games and settling in for a cold night.

On Day Three, the patrol paddled towards Fig Tree Point. Passing tour boats and tourists in canoes, the group enjoyed what many considered the highlight of the expedition. With clear skies, sunshine, and stunning bushland scenery surrounding them, paddling through the Everglades proved to be a peaceful and unforgettable experience. Lunch consisted of salami and cheese, while dinner was a backcountry-style meal at camp.

Although the campsite was quiet, with no other groups staying nearby, there was no shortage of activity. Brush turkeys and mosquitoes kept everyone busy swatting and shooing away the unwanted visitors throughout the afternoon.

Determined to make the most of the final day, the patrol rose before dawn on Day Four. As the sun began to rise, the canoes glided out across Fig Tree Lake where the patrol paused together on the still water to watch the sunrise and take photographs.

The patrol then continued to Kinaba Information Centre, where they tied up the canoes and enjoyed Nutella and breadsticks before beginning the final leg of the expedition. A well-earned stop at Habitat Noosa for hot chips provided one final morale boost before the journey concluded at the Elanda Point canoe launch.

Later that afternoon, the patrol was collected and the canoes returned to Dunethin Rock, marking the successful completion of the LTAF Adventurous Journey.

Reflecting on the experience, Juanita described the road to the expedition as “long and windy”, made possible through determination, training, and strong support from the Scouting community.

“A big thank you to Stretch for his unwavering encouragement throughout the process, always offering support and helping overcome every obstacle along the way,” Juanita said.

One of Juanita’s proudest moments during the expedition was being able to help rescue her brother Marcus and his patrol after they became lost in the bush. Having both journeys operating at the same time created valuable opportunities for the Scouts and Venturer Scouts to support one another, put their Scouting skills into practice, and strengthen their teamwork and friendships.

Thanks to the generous support of LTAF, the expedition became accessible for all participants and provided the time needed for extensive training and preparation to ensure a safe and successful journey.

Reflecting on the experience, Juanita said the expedition was about far more than canoeing through the Everglades.

“The journey provided lifelong memories, valuable leadership experience, and practical outdoor skills that I will continue to draw upon for years to come,” she said.

The Noosa Everglades expedition stands as a wonderful example of how adventure, perseverance, and support through Scouting can help young people grow into capable and confident leaders.

Article by Patrol Leader – Juanita (Venturer Scout)