A special camp run by the District Environment Team (thanks!) which covered the new World Environment Badge requirements, plus the Level 2 Animals and Birds badge. In addition there were special Ingleside badges for everyone too.
On Friday night we looked at a great 3D model of Narrabeen Lagoon. By pouring a cup of water into the model, we could see how the runoff from all the creeks found it's way down to the lagoon and into the ocean.
We also looked at what the water ends up looking like when a range of different things run into it, like dirt, weeds, food, plastic, dog poo, detergent, oil and so on.
We even learnt how to wash up our plates and cutlery!
Saturday morning and it was raining when we headed off to look at one of the local creeks. We were doing a Stream Watch exercise where we counted all the bugs and animals we found in the water. There was a surprising variety. We used strainers to catch tadpoles, spiders, dragonfly larvae and many different types of bugs. We then identified all these using printed sheets and counted how many of each type were found. Some of the creatures are very sensitive to water quality, while others can tolerate various amounts of pollution. There were quite a few sensitive bugs, so from this information we were able to calculate the health of the creek, which in this case was "Excellent".
Did I mention it was raining?
After lunch we inspected the local environment. We looked at the different types of trees and plants around the campsite. There is a great difference in the colour and texture of the bark, leaves, flowers, and smells. The bridge over the creek showed the different vegetation in clean and polluted creeks.
Taking advantage of a break in the weather we then had a go through the Low Ropes course.
up and over the wall.
climb along the hanging tyres
through the tyre (harder than it looks!)
skip the bridge because it was too slippery
use a stick to balance your way along the zig-zag rope
There was a little time before dinner to finish the bookwork, check out the sunset, and take part in the Scouts Own. And that was just one day!