Mumma Dingo’s First Scout Camp: Chaos, Critters, and Cub Wrangling

The Queenslander Tents - proudly built by Scouts

Scouts. Yep, you read that right. Not only did I sign myself up for Scouts, but I went all in and became a Scout Leader. Turns out, you don’t just get a uniform and a woggle — you also get the privilege of being handed a fun “den” name chosen by the kids. And mine? No surprises here: Dingo. Because apparently, my life is now permanently branded with four paws and a bush howl.

But honestly? I’m loving every second of it. I get to spend extra time with my cubs, try wild activities, rack up some qualifications, and basically unleash my inner Bear Grylls (minus the drinking-my-own-pee thing). So, when my first official District Scout Camp popped up at Mt Crosby, I was all in—sleeping bag packed, bug spray loaded, and ready for action.

Friday Night: Tent Wrestling & Wildlife Safari

We rolled into camp Friday night, spirits high and torches blazing. The kids’ first task? Put up Queenslander tents. Now, these aren’t your quick-flick pop-ups from BCF. Nope. These bad boys are canvas beasts with poles, ropes, and just enough chaos to test every ounce of teamwork.

Picture this: ten Scouts, half of them under 12, half of them in peak teenage grumpy mode, wrangling canvas like they were taming crocodiles. They started at 6 pm and didn’t finish until 10 pm. Four hours. That’s longer than a Lord of the Rings movie marathon. But credit where it’s due—they did it. Those tents stood tall, slightly lopsided, but proud.

And while they sweated and swore (well, the kid-friendly versions), nature decided to put on its own show. We spotted fireflies (apparently a super rare good-luck sign in Australia), a bilby bouncing through the scrub, possums, a water rat, a platypus, and—just to keep things spicy—a wild dog. Oh, and ticks. So. Many. Ticks. It was like nature’s way of saying, Welcome to Scout life, Dingo. Hope you brought tweezers.

Night One: Sleep? What Sleep?

After tent success, we called it a night—or so I thought. Cue the soundtrack of giggles, whispers, snack wrappers, and the occasional fart noise echoing across camp. These kids talked, laughed, and carried on all night long.

By 5 am, this Mumma Dingo was running on fumes and mosquito repellent. My patience snapped harder than a dead branch under hiking boots. I may or may not have barked at them like an angry kelpie. Not my proudest moment, but the other leaders backed me up. Apparently, every leader has their “first crack.” Consider mine done and dusted.

Saturday: Axes, Apple Pies, and Controlled Chaos

Saturday was action-packed from the get-go. The Scouts got to play with axes, band saws, splitters, and knives—basically every tool that makes parents twitch. And wow, were they excited. The boys especially, though let’s be real… so was Mumma Dingo. Nothing says empowerment like chopping wood without losing a limb.

The kids also had to cook all their meals, and honestly? They smashed it. Mostly. Saturday dinner was… questionable. Let’s just say the seasoning leaned heavily on “charcoal chic.” But they made up for it with apple pie damper pockets. Yes, you heard me. Damper stuffed with apple pie filling. Genius. Delicious. Worth every smoky bite.

Saturday Night: Campfire Magic

Now this… this was the highlight. Scouts don’t just “sit around a fire.” They host full-blown productions. Picture it: a massive crackling fire, kids belting out songs, telling stories, putting on skits, sharing jokes, and laughing so hard their marshmallows fell into the flames.

There’s something about that kind of scene that makes you pause. Pure, old-school joy. No screens, no TikToks, no Fortnite. Just kids being kids, with sticky fingers and smoke in their hair. I sat back, listened, and thought, Yep. This is exactly why I signed up.

And miracle of miracles, that night everyone actually slept. Thank you, Scouts.

Sunday: Lost but Learning

Sunday morning was all about orienteering. Map in hand, compass at the ready, and confidence sky-high, the Scouts were off. I tagged along for the first half before peeling back and letting them navigate on their own. They made it back—eventually—looking sweaty, triumphant, and only a little bit feral. Success.

Final Thoughts: Scouts for the Win

By the end of the weekend, I was wrecked. The kids were buzzing. The leaders were legends. And the ticks? Well, they were a constant reminder that nature doesn’t care about your personal space.

But honestly? I had an absolute blast. Scouts is so much more than camping and uniforms—it’s about life skills, resilience, teamwork, survival smarts, and getting kids off the bloody electronics. If you want your kids to make new friends, learn how to handle themselves outdoors, and come home with stories that don’t involve Wi-Fi, get them into Scouts. You’ll thank me later.

Mumma Dingo, signing off with mud on my boots, a new respect for teenage stamina, and a tick bite or three.