Dear Waiheke Sea Scouts Parents and Youth,
Welcome to an exciting Term 4! We’re thrilled to continue building memories through fun, nature, community, and safety in all that we do. Here’s what you need to know as we kick off the term:
Group Meeting Details
Scouts (ages 11-14) and Cubs (ages 8-11): Mondays, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
- Where: Big Oneroa Beach by the BBQ (if good sailing weather) or at The Ship (if not suitable for sailing)
- Bonus: We’ll have a sausage sizzle dinner, and all parents are welcome to join us for a lovely sunset!
Keas (ages 5-8): Mondays after school, exact time and location TBC
Not sure?
- Try here: https://waihekeseascouts.org.nz/ and tap Join Us (at the top)
- Contact us if you’d like to talk through which group suits your family
Term 4 Activities Scouts and Cubs Group
We’ve planned a range of activities with flexibility based on weather conditions.
You’ll be notified each Sunday evening with what to bring for the following week.
- Sailing from The Ship or Big Oneroa Beach (led by Jacob, our Sailing Leader)
- Kayaking (Dan) – Cutter Rowing (Dan)
- Overnight Tramping/Hiking (Dan)
- Mountain Biking (Lexi)
- Pillow Fight at The Ship (Dan)
- Beach Cleanup with the Waiheke Marine Project (led by Maia
Sailing and Kayaking – Safety First!
All youth of various sailing skill levels are welcome! Scouts will learn to rig, gybe, tack, and store their boats for overnight storage.
To ensure everyone has the best experience, please note the following requirements:
– Swimming Ability: Intermediate swimming skills required. Leaders may assess this.
– PFD/Life Vest: A properly fitted Personal Flotation Device is mandatory. Please bring your own if possible.
If you don’t have one, we can loan you one for the term — please organize this with a Scout parent leader in advance.
– Warm Clothing: Sailing in spring can be chilly! Please make sure to bring:
– Wetsuit, rash tops, board shorts, and wet hoodie (we have some spare wetsuits, but please ask in advance).
– Towel and change of clothes.
– Polypro or merino t-shirt (cotton is not suitable).
– Wool or fleece jumper and beanie for cooler days, or a cap for sunny weather.
– Windbreaker to block the wind.
– Snack, water bottle, or thermos with a hot drink to keep energy levels up and spirits high!
Fees
We are proud to be a volunteer-run organization, with all funds collected going directly back into youth activities.
When one family doesn’t pay their fees, it means others have to contribute more. However, we understand that times can be tough, and we don’t want finances to be a barrier for any child to participate.
If you are facing financial hardship, please contact our Treasurer, Jaimie Wilkie at accounts@waihekeseascouts.org.nz for potential sponsorship of your child.
Term 4 activity fees:
Keas: $100.00
Cubs: $115.00
Scouts: $130.00
Additionally, there is a $20 fee per youth for the Term 4 Sausage Sizzle, which has been generously subsidized by Michael Grant (Scout Leader). He ensures that only gourmet quality sausages are selected for the BBQs!
NOTE: Trips like Pararaha Backpacking and Motuihe Camp have stand-alone additional fees — details to be announced.
Trips & Events
Halloween! Extra Session: Oct 27th Sunday 2-5pm at THE COTTAGE, 92 The Esplanade for kids up to Year 6 – Waiheke Sea Scouts will join The Spirit of Waiheke Halloween Festival and put on an Activity! Stay tuned for more details.
Pararaha Backpacking Trip 15-17th Nov (with 22-24th Nov rain backup)
Scout Leader Dan Tisch will lead an exciting backpacking trip from Huia through Whatipu Camp to Pararaha Tunnel Camp and onward to Piha, featuring pristine forests, waterfalls, and sweeping west coast beach views.
Due to the remote location, safety is a priority, and each youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Essential gear includes:
– Backpacks: 60-75 liters for adults and 45 liters for youth.
– Waterproof lightweight tents (not car camping tents).
– Rainwear.
Inspections and a trial hike will be conducted the week prior to the trip. Stay tuned for full details and signup!
Parent Volunteers Needed
We need more parent volunteers to ensure a safe and well-staffed environment for our kids.
Becoming a police-vetted volunteer is quick and easy, and it’s required by Scouts NZ to maintain safe adult-to-child ratios.
Please take 5 minutes to complete the safety check here: Scouts NZ Volunteer Application When prompted, enter:
Scout Group: 1st Waiheke Sea Scouts
Group Leader: Alexis Guerin
IMPORTANT DATES
- 28th Oct: Labour Day – Sessions Cancelled
- 05-Nov 7:30pm to 9pm — Committee Meeting — Te Whau sale finalised and Fundraising Campaign (please invite friends good at this!)
- 15-17th Nov: Pararaha Backpacking Trip (with 22-24 Nov rain backup)
- 01-Dec 3-5pm — Annual General Meeting (AGM) — all Committee Members and Parent Leaders please join (last committee meeting for 2024)
- 16-20th Jan: Ruapehu Summit Trip
- 20-26th Jan: Motuihe Trip (Keas: 20-23rd, Scouts: 22-26th Jan)
Here’s to a fantastic Term 4 packed with adventure and discovery! Thank you for your support, and we can’t wait to see you on the water, trails, and beaches.
Cheers,
Waiheke Sea Scouts Leadership Team
Current WSS Committee Members and Warranted Leaders
Group Leader – Lexi Guerin
Chair – Dan Tisch
Treasurer – Jaimie Wilkie
Secretary – Nicola Stunell
Memberships – Vacant
Scout Leaders – Jacob Heatley-Adams, Lexi Guerin, Michael Grant, Eru Watana, Dan Tisch
Cub Leaders – Vacant
Kea Leaders – Britt Lemi, Meekaeel Barnabas
Hall Custodian – Michael Grant
Building Officer – Rosco Barker
Quartermaster – Rosco Barker
Fundraiser – Vacant (and please sing out)