Over more than a decade of scouting, Colac’s Hannah Warton has gained lifelong skills, friends and memories.
Hannah Warton wearing her new Governor General Camp scarf and woggle. Photo: Zara Cuthbertson
But perhaps the most special of all is the 18-year-old’s recent six-day trip to Canberra for a once-in-a-lifetime camp on the grounds of Government House.
Hannah, a 3rd/4th Colac Scout Group Rover, was among 1400 Scouts from across Australia to attend the first Governor General Camp last month.
During her time in the capital, Hannah participated in countless activities, including abseiling, ziplining, cooking, hatchet throwing, craft and navigation.
“Each day was different, we went to the War Memorial on Monday, which was amazing,” she said.
“The Air Force and the Army had marquees set up offering their own activities, so I went to the Army one where you put on these VR goggles and you were in a war zone and you’re sitting in a tank, which was insane.
“You could also fly a virtual helicopter, and if you crashed the seat shook.”
Just when she thought the camp couldn’t get any better, Hannah received a very special opportunity – to ride in a hot air balloon above Government House, taking in the sights of Canberra.
“That was through the Air Force, it was so amazing, it was a bit scary and loud, but it went to a really good height where you could see all over Canberra,” she said.
Hannah said she felt privileged to have been able to attend the camp.
“We had the closing parade on the Thursday afternoon, and the Governor General (David Hurley) and his wife (Linda) came, and he spoke about how he was very honoured to have the event,” she said.
“There were so many good moments, but the hot air balloon was something I had never done before, meeting new people and getting to experience it all was just amazing. I’m very happy I went.”
Joining as a Joey at just six years old, Hannah was certain she owed learning most of her life skills to Scouts.
“There are just endless opportunities and it teaches you everything, so many different life skills; for me, confidence is the biggest thing I’ve developed over the years through Scouts,” she said.
“You make lifelong friends all the time, and there are options to go anywhere and everywhere all over the world.”
