Leadership Through Adventure Fund
Sixteen Victorian Scouts Conquers Tasmania’s Overland Track
Earlier in 2024, sixteen Scouts and Venturer Scouts from Heathmont Scout Group in Scouts Victoria, along with six dedicated Leaders and Adult Helpers, embarked on an exhilarating nine-day trek along Tasmania’s legendary Overland Track in Cradle Mountain. This remarkable expedition was the culmination of over two years of dedicated preparation, led by Patrol Leader Charlotte.
To gear up for the challenge, the Scouts tackled a series of demanding hikes across Victoria, including day hikes, overnight stays, and multi-day treks in the Grampians, Wilson’s Promontory, the You Yangs, the Alpine Ranges, and Gippsland. These experiences sharpened their outdoor skills, from bushcraft and navigation to food preparation, dehydration techniques, gear selection, and resource management for extended treks.
As departure day neared, excitement grew among the Patrol members, who knew they would face steep mountain trails, muddy paths, and rugged terrain. The journey proved as breathtaking as it was challenging, with Scouts encountering diverse wildlife and taking icy plunges into Tasmania’s pristine lakes, creating memories to last a lifetime.
The Overland Track is renowned for its remote and unpredictable conditions, with road access only available at the start and end points. In preparation, the Patrol trained extensively to handle severe weather and emergency situations. Their preparation paid off, allowing them to confidently manage minor first aid issues such as blisters, scrapes, and sunburn while preventing more serious incidents.
Throughout the expedition, the Patrol set up camp at iconic sites including Waterfall Valley, Windermere, Pelion, Kia Ora, Windy Ridge, and Narcissus, successfully completing their journey from Ronnie Creek to Cynthia Bay.
Reflecting on their adventure, Patrol Leader Charlotte shared: “We learned so much about ourselves and each other. During the hike, we took turns leading, setting the pace, and keeping everyone together. It was important to make time for rest, food, and hydration to maintain our energy.”
The Scouts gained more than just memories—they built resilience and adaptability, from enduring encounters with leeches to receiving a friendly reminder from park rangers to keep their tents zipped and keep curious possums at bay!
Another valuable lesson was camping responsibly using designated camping platforms, which help protect the fragile ecosystem. Charlotte noted, “Using the platforms helped us minimize our environmental impact and camp more sustainably.”
This unforgettable expedition was made possible by the Dick and Pip Smith – Leadership Through Adventure Fund, which has supported over 750 Scouts in more than 100 incredible outdoor adventures, fostering leadership and personal growth in the wild.
For Scouts dreaming of their next big adventure, this fund could be the key to turning that dream into reality.
A huge thank you to the Leadership Through Adventure Fund for making this challenging and inspiring journey possible!
The next round of Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) applications is Now Open.
If you are planning your adventure and you would like to find out more how Dick and Pip Smith – Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) can assist financially to your adventure, click the links below to find out more or contact LTAF@scouts.com.au.
