Leadership Through Adventure Fund
Unexpected Ambush at State Alpine School
During the winter school holidays 2024, New South Wales Venturer Scout Zoe, along with other Scouts from across the country, gathered for a week of winter fun at the Scouts NSW State Alpine School, held at the Scouts NSW Alpine Activity Centre in Jindabyne.
The week was packed with exciting on-snow activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and learning alpine survival skills. Her trip was made possible through the generous support of the Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF), which gave Zoe an opportunity to make her alpine adventure dreams come true.
Where it all Begin
Zoe’s love for snow adventures started two years ago when she first tried cross-country skiing. She loved it so much that she returned a year later for a weekend backcountry ski trip. “I learned so much about telemark skiing techniques and even set up a snow campsite,” Zoe said. “Being out in the wild backcountry in winter was amazing!”
In the year 2025, Zoe set her goal to take her skills to the next level. She wanted to learn more advanced cross-country skiing techniques and earn some new outdoor adventure badges. She applied for the support from the LTAF fund and granted financial support to cover some of her camp fees, gear rental, and essential warm clothing for the freezing alpine temperatures.
But there was one thing the fund didn’t prepare Zoe for – an unexpected visit from some cheeky possums!
The Unexpected Visitors
While camping at Island Bend, Zoe and her Patrol were caught off guard by the furry bandits. “We woke up to find that possums had rummaged through our bags while we were asleep!” Zoe said. “They stole our dinner curry, a chocolate bar, and even spilled couscous all over the campsite! We found zip-lock bags and soggy porridge sachets scattered around.”
Amazing Experience
Despite the possum chaos, the State Alpine School offered Zoe plenty of learning opportunities. Over the first two days, Scouts skied the Nordic Trails to warm up their gear and check for any damage. Zoe got to practice telemark skiing, build emergency shelters, and even learn about avalanche awareness.
“The best part was going on an overnight expedition with my Patrol,” Zoe said. “We spent three days and two nights in the snow, where I learned how to assess risks and change plans if needed. The weather wasn’t what I expected, but the experience was amazing! Skiing with a big backpack and the team spirit made it all worth it.”
The camp not only gave Zoe new skills but also helped her develop resilience and leadership, all while having fun in the snowy mountains.
While Zoe didn’t expect a possum “attack” during her adventure, she definitely gained some unforgettable memories and a whole new set of outdoor skills!
Ready for Your Own Adventure?
The Leadership Through Adventure Fund (LTAF) helped make Zoe’s trip possible, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for other youth members to achieve their own adventure dreams. To learn more or apply for the fund, click below button to find out more.
