Venturers - South Australia

Snow Venture 2004

By: Dylan Hunt and Gemma Wood - Blackhawk Venturer Unit

In the second week of the July Holidays, we with a total of 35 Venturers and leaders from Adelaide attended the South Australian Snow Venture. It was held at the Bogong Rover Chalet in Victoria, 11 kilometres cross-country skiing out of Falls Creek.

The Chalet is owned by Victorian Rovers and is a unique place to stay, where the Venturers and leaders run the whole chalet for the week. The atmosphere of the chalet is one which promotes an excellent attitude towards each other and builds an amazing sense of independence and friendship between the Venturers and the leaders.

The chalet is totally private, and gives you the chance to experience a different world in a happy and safe environment, away from any other civilisation. The chalet is constantly being upgraded and is home to superb facilities including fully equipped kitchen, dining room, hot showers, washing machine, drying room and dormitories with good mattresses and pillows. The chalet is completely self reliant, with its own 240 Volt generator, hot water service and food supplies.

Each day, Venturers have the opportunity to participate in cross-country day trips to various interesting and historical sites on the high plains. These trips include such places as Mt. Cope and Wallace’s Hut, the oldest hut on the Victorian high plains. There is always the opportunity for some excellent downhill skiing and photos of the beautiful scenery.

The weather this year was exceptional, with beautiful skies and perfect snow coverage. This allowed for plenty of outdoor activities apart from skiing, such as snow boarding, snow sculptures and snow fights.

Everyone, both Venturers and leaders, work together to ensure the smooth running of the chalet. Everyone participates in fun night time activities along with the various duties needed to keep the chalet in order. Through this, everyone learns great teamwork and leadership skills and make great everlasting friendships. Snow Venture also gives us Venturers the chance to put something towards their Queen Scout Award.

It is a great opportunity for young people to learn great personal skills such as independence and initiative. Everyone who participates leaves the chalet with a sense of having learnt something more about themselves and others. This is unlike any other experience you will come across in your life. You will take away memories and friendships that you will treasure forever.

Applications and more information for Snow Venture.