Mudsliding Scouts Create a National Day of Fun
Mudsliding Scouts Create a National Day of Fun
Over 10,000 people slid their way to happiness at over 30 locations across New Zealand yesterday, in Scouting’s first annual national mudslide day.
“The turnout exceeded all our expectations,”said Scouting National Programmes Manager, Tony Hickmore. “We had reports from all over the country saying the same thing; that it was a day of absolute fun.”
The day was the culmination of a great deal of effort by Scout leaders, volunteers and parents to make sure that mudslides were well-organised, safe for all ages and that there was plenty of water, mud and sun-block on hand for the participants.
Some of the mudslides proved very ingenious as not all locations had the benefit of a hill down which to slide. As part of the summer carnival at Trentham, Scouts arranged a water-soaked horizontal bungee and a muddy tug-o-war as a test of skill, much to the delight of spectators as well as those taking part.
One of the immediate results has been a jump in membership enquiry. “The mudslides have proved to be popular with everyone. It has been a great way to involve non-Scouts as well as Scouts in something that is fun and challenging, and it’s great to see everyone earn their first mudslide badge,” said Mr Hickmore.
Planning for next year’s National Mudslide Day is already underway, though there is the small matter of a lot of washing to do first.
ENDS