Few things are as memorable as going away to camp for the summer.
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From January 5-9, members of the 1st Cootamundra Scouts will be among more than 2,800 girls and boys aged 9-11 who will have this unforgettable experience as they participate in five days of outdoor adventures and camping at Scouts NSW's 7th Cuboree - the largest event on the scout calendar in 2020.
Joined by more than 1,700 adult and youth leaders from across NSW, the Cubs will descend on Cataract Scout Park in Appin to take part.
Held every three years, Cuboree is the premier event for the organisation's Cub Scout section.
Neville Tomkins OAM JP, Chief Commissioner of Scouts NSW, says the event is designed to give participants real life opportunities to develop their independence, self-confidence, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
"In today's online and connected world, there is an unparalleled power in bringing thousands of young people together in a safe environment, to experience the benefits of making new friends for life," Mr Tomkins said.
"Cuboree 2020 will do just that, and it will be the first time many Cub Scouts participate in an event of this size and magnitude.
"It's an opportunity for the children to push their boundaries and engage in new experiences like making new friends from across the State, camping under canvas and engaging in activities involving adventure, imagination and active learning."
Themed 'What on Earth', Cub Scouts will discover the earth's ecosystems by participating in seven themed ecosystem activity bases ranging from mountains, forests and polar, to the savannah, space, deserts and oceans.
Chief Director of Cuboree 2020, David Spear, says the Cub Scouts will be spoilt for choice with activities including a wipe out challenge, a stunt jump, circus activities, climbing walls, tobogganing through a man-made snowfield, mechanical surfboards, African drumming, a planetarium, a space race and a fun run obstacle course.
"The Cuboree is such a popular event and there's good reason for that," Mr Spear said.
"Our team of dedicated volunteers have been working around the clock over the last two years to ensure Cuboree 2020 will have the Cubs' imaginations running wild."
Over the course of the five-day event, 105,000 volunteer hours will be clocked up equating to a $5 million dollar investment in youth development.
"The activities on offer at Cuboree are second to none - they're all based on ideas from the Cub Scouts themselves, so it's really a youth-led, adult-supported effort," Mr Spear said.
"It's incredible fun, but also an experience that develops young people's teamwork, leadership, resilience and social skills.
"It's learning the Scouting way - by doing!"
Cuboree will carefully adhere to the level two water restrictions in NSW, providing a natural way for Cub Scouts to learn the importance of sustainability.