Scouts from the small town of Hay took to the streets this past weekend to celebrate diversity and inclusion in rural NSW.
Brightly dressed with rainbow scarves and woggles specially made for the occasion, twenty-one youth and three leaders took part in the second annual Rainbow on the Plains Festival. The festival aims to educate, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion in all its colourful glory.
There are a lot of obvious synergies between the objectives of the festival, the Scout Law and the qualities we value in Scouts. In marching in the parade, the youth reinforced that Scouts are kind, respectful and inclusive. With several Scouts in billycarts, they also had a lot of fun as they were cheered on by a large crowd of supportive on-lookers.
Scouts was further showcased at the family fair following the parade, with the Riverina Scouts mobile climbing and abseiling tower proving very popular with the youth, and a challenge for some of the more adventurous adults. Locals embraced the chance to try rock climbing, as outside of Scouts, there aren’t too many opportunities for such activities on the Hay plains.
Being in a small rural town, Scouts are an integral and visible part of the Hay community. The Scouts support many community events, and are in turn equally well supported by other community organisations.
As well as the social benefits of the festival, the organising committee raises funds for various worthy causes. Hay Scouts were fortunate to receive a generous donation of $500 in 2018 to support their Scouts’ attendance at the Australian Jamboree.
The 1st Hay Scouts youth members are already making plans for a bigger, brighter and better parade entry in 2020.
