1st Modewarre Scouts secure aquatics grant

The 1st Modewarre Scout Group took to the water recently, using new snorkelling equipment purchased with a $2,050 grant from Council.

Our revamped Community Grants Program saw just over $97,000 in funding go to various community groups during the August/September round.

Modewarre group leader and Scout for over 32 years Marie McPadden said they bought 35 new snorkel sets with the funding, and hit the pool in November.

“The current badge work program has a section on aquatics, one of the activities the kids need to do is snorkelling,” Marie said.

“Then they can follow a stream through to scuba if they want. Before, we didn’t have the equipment so we couldn’t even complete the basic level.

“Now we can cater to all age groups, from Joeys up to Scouts, and provide a pathway through our Scout Aquatic Outdoor Adventure Training Program.”

Marie said for community groups, grants make a big difference when it comes to the experiences they can provide.

“Without the grant I don’t think we could do it. With COVID we can’t share equipment, and we couldn’t afford enough equipment to be able to take 15 kids at a time,” she said.

“This experience opens the kids’ horizons. Snorkelling is a bit of an unknown for them, it’s a challenge but they rise to it. It’s part of what we do as Scouts.”

The grant is part of Council’s plan for a healthy connected community, helping facilitate opportunities within organisations like the 1st Modewarre Scouts.