One of the many off-site expeditions for Mega 10 was Reef Rendezvous held at the Port Noarlunga Scout Hall from the 4th to 8th of January 1997. The Hall and surrounding areas played host to approximately 60 people for five days of water related activities.

It all began 15 months ago when I was asked if I would be an expedition leader for Mega 10. I decided to give it a go having absolutely no idea of what I was getting myself into. I gathered together a group of Leaders and Rovers to help me in my quest. Once the main frame of the expedition had been confirmed it was decided to consider the intricacies of what we would do, when we would do it and how we would do it, and most importantly what we would EAT!

The end product of this became Reef Rendezvous as we decided to run activities in and around the Port Noarlunga Reef. The unit of Venturers arrived on Saturday the 5th of January around 12 noon. They had only taken 2 hours to travel from Wayville to Port Noarlunga. We thought they had come via Melbourne or something! The unit consisted of 50 Venturers and 6 leaders, all but one from interstate. Boy, did she get a hard time from the others!

When the bus arrived at 0ld Noarlunga there was just enough time for lunch before beginning the activities. We had arranged for them to do cable hang-gliding and pistol shooting. The temperature was a scorching 38°C so no-one felt like doing much at all, however once they were up and moving they were fine. After an exhausting afternoon it was back to the Old Noarlunga Scout Hall for a well earned dinner.
The after dinner plan was for a 2 hr walk to the Port Noarlunga Scout Hall, but due to the weather conditions, and lack of sleep, some people were unable to make the walk. Therefore, we shuttled everyone back in cars. Once at the Port Noarlunga Scout Hall the idea was to put up tents, cool down and get some sleep. Yeah right!! Why should they start now?

The next three days were busy, busy , busy. The Venturers were divided into three groups and each group sent on one of three half day activities; rafting/rowing in the Onkaparinga River, beach bumming at Southport Beach and snorkelling off the Port Noarlunga Reef. Over the three days each group would rotate around these activities and visit each twice. Some Venturers were even lucky enough to get in a little scuba diving. The activities didn't end when the sun went down either. The first night we played water games where everyone got very wet (fire hoses tend to do that!). On night two we went to the cinema and had the choice to see either "Daylight" or "Romeo and Juliet". This was followed by a pig out at McDonald's.
The final night was PARTY night. We had a Hawaiian feast, complete with lovely music and grass skirts.... well sort of! Each Venturer was given a length of brightly coloured material which they were required to wear in some form or another. There were some very imaginative ideas. After dinner we indulged in a night of Karaoke. Everyone organised themselves into groups and chose a song. The Karaoke was a hit - they kept coming back for more! We eventually had to kick them out of the Hall and into bed at around 1:30am.

The next morning was spent packing up ready for the journey to Woodhouse. The bus was due to arrive at 1pm. It took them all morning to pack up their gear and the campsite... they are Venturers after all. After a final parade and goodbyes the bus actually left on time. I wonder where they went via this time?

All of the Venturers had a ball. Each and every one of them said that they had had an excellent time. It makes all of the hard work and stress to put it all together very worthwhile.

The next Australian Venture is to be held in Anglesea, Victoria in the year 2000. So to all the Scouts, Venturers and Leaders who are eligible..... START SAVING! It is well worth it.

To all those involved with the organising and running of Reef Rendezvous, I thank you. You all helped to make it a hugely successful event. Your names are already down for Anglesea!