Leadership Through Adventure Fund 

During April 2024, thirty Queensland Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Leaders and adult helpers, embarked on an incredible journey for a five-day alpine experience at Kosciuszko National Park and an opportunity to meet the Ngarigo people of the Snowy Mountains.

After a long road journey South, the Patrol arrived late, tired, and hungry at the Scouts Alpine Centre campground in Jindabyne. Also staying there were the Ngarigo Snow People, the Traditional Owners of the land. In an extraordinary act of generosity and hospitality, they welcomed the Patrol to their fire and invited them to share in traditional foods. The Patrol feasted on roast possum, kangaroo, and even emu omelette after a Welcome to Country ceremony, and spent the evening learning about their lore and traditional food preparation techniques.

In the days that followed, the Patrol set off into the wilderness to complete their AJ journeys.

The meeting with the Ngarigo Elders has led to an ongoing dialogue. In the months that followed, the Patrol were honoured to recognise them as LTAF Ambassadors for their contribution to the expedition and also welcomed them as honorary members of the Victor Scout Group, acknowledging them as proud supporters of Scouting Australia.

All members of the expedition received certificates of appreciation from the Ngarigo people. A handful of Scouts have accepted the rare and meaningful invitation to become formal non-Indigenous members of the Ngarigo community – an extraordinary opportunity and a powerful step forward for Australia’s next generation.