The 1st Frenchs Forest Scout Group held a lap-a-thon recently, raising $2055 to support fellow Scouts in Myanmar and Thailand affected by earthquakes earlier this year.
The funds will be dispersed through the World Organisation of the Scout Movement to help Scout groups affected by the disaster to rebuild their halls and replace equipment.
The event, which took place on a Thursday evening in late June at Ararat Reserve in Frenchs Forest, saw 27 youths participate, including Cubs, Scouts and Venturers.
Participants sought sponsorship from family and friends per lap, and together they spent one hour circling the oval, with each lap recorded.
The atmosphere at the lap-a-thon was full of energy and excitement, and left participants feeling good about their achievement. Venturer, Braidey, 15, said: “I felt proud to help fundraise by doing the lap a thon. It’s not just about the money though, it’s about showing the Scouts in Myanmar and Thailand that we’ve got their back, especially when they’ve lost so much. We’re all one big Scouting family.”
Participants received a commemorative collector’s badge featuring the scarves of Scouts Australia, Myanmar and Thailand tied in friendship.
The 1st Frenchs Forest Scout Group is part of Sydney North Region Scouts, and provides young Forest area boys and girls, aged eight to 18 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure.