PARRAMATTA PARK OPEN DAY
SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2010
11.00 am – 3.00 pm

We have a great opportunity to showcase Scouting at Parramatta Park. (This is very much a case of take scouting to the community, not bring the community to Scouting)

The day is a celebration of the Bicentenary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie in the Parramatta area.

The intention is to construct, over the course of the day a platform tower (about 3m high) using traditional scouting spars and lashings. The council is keen for this, particularly as a representation of a “tree house” that Macquarie built for his wife Elizabeth, in the area. It would not be for use by anyone, so it should not come under any OH&S issues.

Along with this we can also construct a number of “scouty” type items, clothes stand, maybe a small rope bridge, or even a suspended flagpole.  (Pole that does not touch the ground).  At the Scouting level, there is opportunity to cover a fair degree of the Construction Target badge in both Explorer and Adventurer Levels.

They are also keen to see the erection of the typical “Patrol style” tents and the “Bell” type tents, which were common in Macquarie’s time.  The idea is not a static display, but more of a demonstration over the day of how our Scouts erect tents etc. While it is open to all sections, the involvement focus would be more on Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. Another idea is to perhaps have a couple of Webbers there, where we could show how to make damper, using a camp oven.

I have also made enquiries about having the climbing wall there. Parramatta Council will cover the cost, and whether we charge a nominal fee to have a go is up to ourselves.  I just need to find someone certified to run it.

We could even run a BBQ sausage sizzle just for those Scouts & Leaders involved on the day.

I have tentively booked the Scout Promotional Trailer for the day.

There will be excellent media coverage of the event, and Council have even suggested an article in the local papers the week prior, as a lead in to the actual day.

We don’t have much time, however a wonderful opportunity to really do something for Scouts.

Look forward to your input and involvement.

Yours in Scouting,

Mark Fell  
RC Special Projects
0419 264 031
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