Each year 600 scouts from all over Victoria take part in Scouthike – a competition hike event over 2 nights and 2 days held in the State Forest near Tallarook.

This year 91 teams of scouts hiked between overnight bases, completing up to 24 challenge bases along the way, to score points for their team. Challenges include traditional scout activities such as mock emergencies to test first aid, tying poles together to construct bridges, lighting fires, camping out, survival, and navigation with maps and compass. Equal weighting in the scoring is also given to leadership and teamwork.

Junior learner teams are accompanied by a leader and hike only with day packs. Senior teams hike independently, carrying all their food and equipment, and are eligible to earn Gold, Silver and Bronze pennants depending on the scores they achieve. Each year, only 10 teams are awarded Gold pennants.

2nd Woodend Scouts fielded 3 teams this year – one learner and two competition teams. Both senior competition teams took out Gold Pennants, with one team achieving the highest score in the State out of all 91 teams competing!

Scouthike is a lot of fun and gives young people a great chance to work together with minimal adult supervision to build their confidence, leadership and resilience.