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Scouts rely on training in typhoon evacuation

A JUNIOR leader at 1st/2nd Merrylands Joeys was among thousands evacuated from the seaside location of the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea after the alarm was raised because of the impending arrival of Typhoon Khanun in early August.

Tim Nicholas was among 36,000 scouts from 156 countries evacuated from the coastal campsite on August 8 and said how his scout training helped him get through the challenging ordeal.
“When the typhoon came, the campsite was quickly packed up and the whole Jamboree moved to Seoul for the rest of their activities,” he said.
“I was able to make the most of such a great experience and loved the opportunity of meeting different people from around the world which teaches you so much.”
Deputy Contingent Leader and Chief Commissioner of Scouts NSW, Lloyd Nurthen said: “I am extremely proud of the resilient manner in which all of our youth and adults conducted themselves during such challenging circumstances.
“They are the embodiment of what it means to be a Scout, exemplifying our motto, ‘Be Prepared’.”
1st/2nd Merrylands Scout Group Leader Jeanie Wood says it doesn’t surprise her at all that scouts were able to cope with the adverse circumstances.
“It’s part of their training from a young age to be self-sufficient and constantly doing “risk assessment”,” she said.
A Scout Award Scheme encourages participation in all activities and provides recognition of individual achievement.
This week 1st/2nd Merrylands Scout group celebrated two Joey Scouts, Kaysanne Lockman and Ollie Wicks, achieve their Peak Awards.
The eight-year-olds have both been in Joeys since they were five and have grown from kindy kids enjoying the scout program to young leaders in their own rights.
Both were recognised in the NSW Scout of the Year awards with Kaysanne winning the Joey section in 2021 and Ollie a finalist in 2022.
For more info: halfmerrylandsgroup@gmail.com.