Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Berkeley Vale group have been doing their bit for Clean Up Australia, clearing their locality of unsightly rubbish and learning about the environmental impact of litter.
Armed with gloves and bags, they set off with their Scout leaders during their usual Wednesday evening session to walk from their hall in Panorama Ave and down to Bluebell Park on Lakedge Ave.
They broke off into groups of three children and one adult with a few parents assisting Scout Leader Jarrad Jones, Cub Scout Leader Beverley Gray, Assistant Cub Scout Leader Kimberly Smith and Adult Helper Matthew Abbot.
“They scoured the park from the back to the front and we were pleasantly surprised that there was not as much rubbish as anticipated,” Smith said.
“We did find some cigarette butts, paper wrappers from straws and lollies, a pizza box, random pieces of plastic but we were very happy that there wasn’t any sharps in sight, although there were a few broken glass alcohol bottles found in the garden behind the toilet block,” she said.
“After we returned to our hall, we sat down and discussed why it is so important to look after our environment and to make sure that the rubbish goes into the right bins rather than ending up in our waterways where they can harm the wildlife.
“Scouting is all about learning in the outdoors. We learn by doing. We care for our environment and endeavour to leave no trace of our presence,” Smith said.
Clean Up Australia Day, on March 5, is not just about picking up rubbish, but also helps to involve children in education about sustainability and learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their community.
Sue Murray