Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund

Aurora Venturers Cradle Mountain Adventure

During December, Aurora Venturers from South Australia’s Mawson District (made up of 8 youth members and 5 leaders) walked more than 68km throughout their 4 days trekking adventure at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania with the youth assisted financially by the Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund.

The adventure was a mixture of grade 3, 4 and 5 tracks (5 classed as difficult as the tracks are “…likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked”). Despite of the challenges of the hike itself and interruption of the weather, the group found they were wrapped with picture perfect scenery with local residents of wombats, echidna and devils and quolls from Cradle Valley Devil Park.

The adventure advanced each Venturer’s personal development and enabled progression in the Outdoor Adventure Skills areas of camping and bushwalking. Personal growth also occurred through the team work and personal resilience required throughout the trek.

It was surely a memorable experience for both youth members and leaders. Here are what they have shared with us in their reflections:

“With the amazing opportunity to travel to Tasmania for the first time, I was able to experience the gorgeous wildlife and views. I met incredible new people and challenged myself with significantly more difficult hikes, having to overcome my extreme fear of heights. No regrets, best trip” – Rachel

“In December I had the opportunity to participate in a scouting adventure to Cradle Mountain. This involved staying at the Scout Hut and doing some amazing hikes each day. The highlight of the trip was reaching the summit of Cradle Mountain and seeing the amazing view. It was great to spend time with my venturer group. I recommend this trip to everybody.” – Scott

Dick & Pip Smith Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) was launched in July 2022 by Dick Smith to provide grants to youth members or project patrols to undertake activity skills and leadership training, adventurous journeys and expeditions.

If you are planning your adventure for 2024 and you would like to find out more how LTAF can assist financially to the adventure, download the information sheet or contact  LTAF@scouts.com.au.