The Stella Maris College Scout Group recently undertook the AdVenture Outdoors initiative, which revolved around youth empowerment and well-being, all within a scouting context. The initiative involved multiple outdoors, adventurous events, catering for various ages and abilities, and was supported by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s BeActive scheme.
The youth members were heavily involved in the planning of this initiative, and they planned, led and participated in several outdoors activities, including:
- Group Easter Camp at Verdala, which included various adventurous and outdoors activities such as archery and hiking.
- Pioneering Tower built by the Venture Unit
- Abseiling by the Troop, held at ix-Xaqqa Siggiewi
- Stella Maris College Founder’s Fest, which included abseiling and archery for both members and the general public
- Abseiling and Cleanup, held by the Venture Unit at Top of the World Gharghur
- End of School Camp, which included various adventurous and outdoors activities, such as kayaking and stand up padelling.
- Crew Summer Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha
- Group Summer Camp, which included numerous adventurous and outdoors activities at Rinella, such as pioneering, combat archery and water polo.
- Pioneering by the Venture Unit, which involved the building of a tower used as their sleeping quarters during the camp
- Obstacle Course by the Troop, which included numerous obstacles and challenges
The AdVenture Outdoors initiative resulted in significant positive changes. Participants emerged with heightened confidence, a sense of responsibility, and enhanced leadership skills. The initiative also cultivated a love for the outdoors, fostering a culture of physical activity and well-being. It also encouraged a sense of community and teamwork. Valuable practical skills in budgeting, event planning, and safety management were also acquired.
Aġenzija Żgħażagħ falls under the Parliamentary Secretariat for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport. It was established in February 2011 to promote the interests of young people and to provide assistance to youth organisations and young people in achieving their potential. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ’s overall objective is to provide a coherent, cohesive and unified government approach to addressing the needs and aspirations of young people. To further help youth organisations, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ set up the BeActive scheme, through which it aims to continue providing support to youth organisations in the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of projects that are aimed to provide for the wellbeing of their respective members as well as for the community and society.