Welcome to Issue #3 of Hume: Leading the Way
Humeoree 2026 takes centre stage this issue — nearly 400 Scouts, Leaders and volunteers celebrating 80 years of Hume Region — alongside a first-ever District award, a new amateur radio call sign, and plenty of Scouts out and about in their communities.
Don't miss the Region Chair's Report, linked above, for Wayne Stevens' wrap-up of September, including the Leaders recognised for their service at Humeoree. And if you've got a story of your own, there's a note at the end on how to send it in.
My Humeoree Camp Adventure
Humeoree 2026 celebrated 80 years of Hume Region at Glenfield Scout Activity Centre in September. Here's the weekend through a Cub's eyes — followed by the Heritage Base, the Billy Boiling Competition and a Yoda Medal presentation.
I went to Humeoree at Glenfield Scout Camp in September 2026. There were Scouts from all over the Hume Region and even the Southern Highlands, along with lots of Leaders and helpers. It was exciting to see how many people had come to camp.
When I arrived, my group from 1st Camden Scouts joined Bargo Scouts to set up our tents. Then we put up our stretchers and chose which side of the tent we would sleep on. That night, we stayed up talking for ages, even though our curfew was 9 pm!
On Saturday, we competed in teams of about nine people. Each team had Scouts from different sections and Groups, so we got to meet people we didn't already know. Our first challenge was billy boiling. We had to try to boil a billy of water over a campfire as fast as we could.
Next, we made kazoos from two paddle pop sticks, straws and elastic bands. They made a really funny sound! We also learned to drum and do the Chinese dragon dance. At the craft activities, we drew our own designs on wooden badges and made wax seals. There were lots of colours to choose from, and I picked hot pink, light pink and purple. We melted the wax in a spoon over a candle, poured it onto a card and pressed a stamp into it to make a pretty design.
We got adventurous and did crate stacking, suspended sock wrestling and climbed a cave ladder. They were so much fun and I got the tallest crate tower!
My favourite activity was the Ninja Course. It tested our balance and strength, and it felt like playing The Floor Is Lava in real life! For the first obstacle, we had to balance on a line while reaching up to grab things above our heads. Then we tried the balance ropes. They were really hard, but everyone on my team made it to the end!
Later, we used huge hoops to make giant bubbles and tried to see who could make the biggest one. After our final activity, we went back to camp for some free time. Then we grabbed our dilly bags and went down for dinner, which was yum. After dinner, there was a disco and a campfire. I danced with my new friends at the disco, then sat by the warm fire chatting with everyone.
On Sunday, my group had a Nerf battle against another team. The Leaders had made a course with obstacles and hiding spots, which made it so much fun! We also did more crafts, including yarn activities, wool dollies and weaving. Best of all, we got to have another go at the Ninja Course.
At the closing parade, everyone stood together in one huge circle. We learned the Nutbush and performed it for the Leaders before packing up our stretchers and tents.
Humeoree was an amazing weekend. I learned new things, tried lots of different activities and made friends from other Scout Groups. I hope I get to go again!
The Heritage Base: Eight Decades of Hume Scouting
Warm spring conditions did little to slow the excitement at Humeoree 2026, as Scouts from across Hume Region gathered at Glenfield Scout Activity Centre for a weekend of adventure, friendship and celebration.
Nearly 400 youth members, Leaders and volunteers came together for the event, with participants ranging from five-year-old Joey Scouts through to Rover Scouts. Supported by a dedicated team of adult volunteers, the weekend showcased the energy, diversity and community spirit that has defined Scouting across Hume Region for generations.
Humeoree held special significance in 2026 as Hume Region celebrates 80 years of Scouting. Stretching from the Yaralla Sea Scouts in the north to Moss Vale Scouts in the south, the Region brings together Scout Groups from a wide range of communities, all united by a shared commitment to friendship, adventure, personal growth and service.
One of the most distinctive features of the weekend was the Heritage Base, which celebrated the history of Scouting across Hume Region. The display brought together an extensive collection of memorabilia from across the past eight decades, including historic badges, flags, uniforms, awards and other items representing generations of Scouting.
The youth were able to test their skills at Boiling a Billy, with the winners presented with special medals and pins, and the Scout group taking home the coveted Billy Boiling Banner. Congrats to 1st The Oaks/Oakdale and 1st Cobbitty for winning this banner and award!
Youth also loved the shield designing and wax seal base, where old skills were put to the test by a new generation.
Alongside the historical displays were a range of hands-on and retro activities, giving today's youth members an opportunity to experience elements of Scouting from earlier eras. The base provided a powerful connection between the present and the past, allowing participants to reflect on the thousands of young people and adult volunteers who have contributed to Hume Region since its establishment in 1946.
Nepean District Was 'On Fire' at Humeoree
Congratulations to all who attended Humeoree at GSAC in September. It was a fantastic celebration of 80 years of Hume Region, with loads of exciting, engaging and fun-filled activities put on by our wonderful volunteer leaders from across Nepean District and Hume Region.
Our Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers teamed up to take on new challenges, test their skills and develop new friendships as they camped, cooked and participated in the numerous activities on offer.
Nepean District was 'on fire' at Humeoree, yielding 5 of the top 6 teams in the 'Billy Boiling Competition' put on by the Hume Region Scout Heritage Team. 1st Narellan teams were 'hot stuff' coming in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th positions, with their positions only being 'hosed down' by a team from Southern Highlands coming in 2nd position, with a truly amazing performance being put on by the team from 1st Cobbitty & 1st The Oaks/Oakdale topping the competition with an awesome billy boil of under 1 minute!
A big BRAVO! to the Humeoree organising team led by Sam Vandenberg and to all our volunteer leaders, Rovers and Venturers from across Nepean District and Hume Region who created and/or ran the bases or provided logistical support over the weekend. Your creativity, efforts and dedication in providing this wonderful opportunity to our youth are greatly appreciated!
The 2026 Yoda Medal Goes to Ryan Harrison
At Humeoree, I was very pleased to present the Yoda Medal to Ryan Harrison, a Scout from 1st Mittagong, in recognition of his longstanding support of his Scout Group and the Southern Highlands District.
Ryan has consistently demonstrated a willingness to support others, particularly younger youth members, by sharing his knowledge, skills and experience across a range of Scouting activities including vertical activities, cycling, paddling and bushwalking. His commitment to helping others develop their confidence and skills reflects the values and spirit that the Yoda Medal seeks to recognise.
It was therefore fitting that Ryan received the award at Humeoree, in front of members of the Southern Highlands District.
2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Yoda Medal, which was established in 1996. As a young Scout Leader back then, I wanted a way of formally recognising young people who made an outstanding contribution to their local Scouting community — particularly the "quiet achievers" who support others without seeking recognition. From that idea, the Yoda Medal was born.
Since 1996, more than 50 Yoda Medals have been awarded. An important part of the tradition is that previous recipients are consulted in the selection process, which helps keep "Youth Led, Adult Supported" at the heart of the award.
Congratulations to Ryan Harrison on receiving the 2026 Yoda Medal. It is a well-deserved recognition of his contribution to Scouting, his support of others and the positive example he continues to provide within his Group and District.
District Reports
Nepean District
With Spring having arrived, youth from across the District got 'out and about' during September, participating in night and day hikes; bush regeneration, pioneering and navigation activities; celebrating Father's Day with their dads/granddads; and finishing the term with a variety of end-of-term activities such as mini-golf, indoor rock-climbing and ice-skating.
By being out and about in the community, visibly promoting Scouting and the activities and opportunities we provide to our youth, Nepean District membership continues to grow, with 11 new members registering across the Groups during September.
As we take some time off to enjoy the school holidays and long weekend, our leaders are already preparing for what will be a very busy and exciting term 4!
1st Moss Vale at the Tallong Apple Festival
1st Moss Vale Scouts successfully engaged with the community and represented the Group with credit on 27 September at the 2026 Apple Festival in Tallong, NSW. The day was part of the Group's commitment to the local community of Tallong, a partnership with the Apple Festival, and a recruitment activity.
It was a very cold and wet day, but we were able to make some inroads with the local community and the festival.
Youth Making It Happen
Stories where Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts have taken responsibility for their own activities.
Up at 5:50am for the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
On Monday 5th October 2026, I got up at 5:50am to help my Scout group at the Bunnings sausage sandwich stall in Narellan. I was a bit tired after watching the NRL grand final, but I was excited too!
When we got there, we helped set up the BBQ and I helped carry some of the heavy equipment. It was hard work, but it felt good helping everyone get ready.
During the day, we sold lots of sausage sandwiches and helped raise money for our Scout group. I made sure I stayed clean and followed the food safety rules. I washed and cleaned my hands, wore gloves when needed, and made sure I didn't touch other things when I was handling the trays or food.
I also tried to be friendly and helpful so the customers had a good experience.
It was a busy day, but I had lots of fun working with my Scout unit. I can't wait to do it again!
Sam Earns His Amateur Radio Call Sign: VK2AOC
Congratulations to Sam from 1st Cabarita-Mortlake Scout Group, who has completed the course and exam for the Foundation-level Amateur Radio Operator licence and has since received his call sign, VK2AOC.
Sam attended Kentlyn with Hume Region Scout Fellowship members David (VK2DU) and Nathan (VK2FOX), where he completed the course and sat the exam. A call sign is an operator's own on-air identity, so VK2AOC now belongs to Sam.
The Hume Region Scout Fellowship runs courses for Scouting youth to learn about radios and frequencies, and to extend their world globally through amateur radio. Congratulations, Sam!
A First for Southern Highlands: The Outstanding Scouting Award
This is a fun part of my Scouting role as a District Commissioner! Being able to recognise a young person because of their long service to Scouting, but also a young person who is kind, friendly and supportive, and a support to his Leaders, his Group and the District. Congratulations Jayden!!
It is with great pleasure I announce that Jayden Lindley, a Venturer Scout from 1st Bargo, has been awarded the first ever 'Outstanding Scouting Award' as a member of Southern Highlands District!
Jayden has been an active member of 1st Bargo for a number of years and has been a consistent presence in the Group over that time, always helping and supporting the younger sections and Leaders.
Long service as a youth member is not always recognised in Scouting, so it is with even more joy that the first of these awards goes to a youth member for long service and 'Outstanding Scouting'.
Congratulations to Jayden, and thank you for everything you have done and continue to do in Scouting, not only at 1st Bargo Scouts but across Southern Highlands District.
Hume Region Turns 80 — Dinner & Party
Hume Region's 80th Anniversary Dinner is on Friday 23 October 2026 at Ingleburn RSL Club (70 Chester Road, Ingleburn), from 7:00 pm, smart casual. Tickets are $55 each and limited. Please let us know of any dietary requirements when booking.
The celebrations continue with an 80th Birthday Party on Sunday 25 October 2026 at Glenfield Scout Activity Centre — open to members of all ages, past and present.
More dates are on the Events Calendar. For further information, contact the Hume Region Office on (02) 4628 4994 or hume.region@nsw.scouts.com.au.
Fellowship Craft Day: A Fun-Filled Day for Adults and Senior Youth
Hume Region Scout Fellowship is once again offering a fun-filled day of craft for adults and senior youth aged 14 years and up. Friends, family, Guides and Scouts are all welcome.
The day is on Sunday 22 November 2026, from 9am to 4pm, at the Hume Region Scout Fellowship, 135 Georges River Road, Kentlyn. Lunch and all craft materials are included in the $20 price, payable by cash or card on the day.
There will be crafts for the adults, as well as craft ideas to take back to your youth sections, including some recycled craft.
These days are always popular, so book in early to avoid missing out. Registrations close Sunday 8 November at 4pm.
How to enrol: go to Events and enrol for the Craft Day before registrations close on 8 November.
Go to Events to enrol →Questions? Contact the Fellowship at hrsf@nsw.scouts.com.au.
Hume: Leading the Way belongs to everyone across the Region
Groups, Units, youth members, adult volunteers, Region teams and Fellowship members are encouraged to contribute. You don't need to write a polished article.
Simply send us:
- What happened
- Where and when it happened
- Who was involved
- What the youth members achieved or learnt
- 2–4 good photographs
- A caption for each photo — who is in it (with permission from parents and guardians) and who took it, so we can give the right credit
- Around 150–400 words — or just the information, and we can turn it into an article
Most importantly, tell us the story behind the activity.
hume.region@nsw.scouts.com.au