The Rochester 1st Scout Group marked half a year of fun and adventure at a campfire and barbecue. Photos: Contributed
The Rochester Scout Group has just reached the halfway mark of its 2025 program, and what an amazing six months it has been.
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The group has grown its leadership team to five adult leaders, with Emma Solomano joining the team at its mid-year campfire and barbecue event on July 3.
Newest Rochester 1st Scout Group leader Emma Solomano.
Jason King and Mat Keyzer also joined as Joey and Cub Scout leaders earlier in the year.
The group delivers Scout programs for Joeys, ages five to eight, and Cubs, ages eight to 11.
Jason King has joined the Rochester Scouts as a leader.
A Scout section for 11 to 14 year-olds is set to be added, subject to additional leader support.
The group’s fundraising committee has been active in the community, raising funds to support the replacement of flood-damaged equipment and stores.
They have also conducted successful fundraising activities, including the Rochester Community Easter Egg Hunt in April, Rochester Songs at the Silos in March and a Bunnings barbecue in July.
The group also welcomed Matthew Keyzer into its leadership team.
Scouts has also received funding support from various community groups, including Bendigo Bank as a major supporter.
The group loves to interact with other community groups, and this year has had informative and interactive visits to Rochester CFA, Rochester RSL, Rochester Golf Club, Ambulance Victoria Rochester branch and Rochester police.
They also participated in the Rochester RSL Anzac Day march and service, and Clean Up Australia Day.
At the Anzac Day service, Ramen Helguero-Green and Archie Trist were invested together as Joey and Cub Scouts.
Archie Trist was invested into the Rochester Cub Scouts.
They have been active in the camping and outdoor adventure space, facilitating events including a sleepover, two district camps, a zoo visit and a golf day.
In May, both sections attended their first district camp, bringing together Joeys and Cubs from Echuca, Tatura, Kyabram, Baulkamaugh and Kialla for a weekend of scouting fun and adventure.
Rochester 1st Scouts Group leader Cade Kindness with new Joey Scout Ramen Helguero-Green. Photos: Contributed.
The Joey and Cub Scouts have been working hard to qualify for badges in areas like camping, cycling, bushwalking, bushcraft, vertical and aquatics.
At their last parade night, they were very proud to award the prestigious Joey Scout Challenge Award to one of their senior Joeys.
The award was the culmination of over two years of work.
The Joeys and Cubs enjoyed some time together around the campfire.
Rochester Joeys are preparing for their first state-level camp at Bay Park in Mount Martha in September this year.
The 'Kangaree' will see over 1200 Joey Scouts come together for a three-day and two-night epic adventure.
Rochester Scouts is always looking for young people who love having fun and adventure to join.