Katanning Scouts travel to Jurien Bay for annual scouting activity Operation Nighthawk

Teamwork was put to the test for the Katanning Chaos Scouts that travelled to Jurien Bay for the annual Operation Nighthawk event. The Scouts travelled to Jurien Bay to take part in the navigational and skill-challenging event that ran from July 26 to 28. Team Katanning Chaos was made up of James Cooper, 11, Jason Whitehouse, 12, Zavier Potter, 12, Zahra Gersbach, 14, from Plantagenet Scout Group, and Evelyn McNab, 11, from Donnybrook Scout Group. Operation Nighthawk involves navigating over 10kms of unfamiliar ground in the dark with only the help of co-ordinates and a map, making Scouts rely on each other in a display of teamwork and skill. Teams also had to complete six Amazing Race-style challenges to earn points. Team Katanning Chaos completed the full course in just over four hours and placed fifth in the event. Katanning Scout leader Ella Maesepp said the small regional team held their own against the metro groups. “We had a strong team and it showed with a result to be very proud of,” she said. “To see a team from small town Scout groups take on the big city groups and hold their own so well was very gratifying and shows the high-quality scouting we deliver here in Katanning.” Zavier Potter said the event was fun and vowed to return in 2025. “It was a fun camp, being a Scout means we get to do all these cool and different things with friends,” he said. “It was frustrating being so close to a podium finish but also motivating because we know we can do it and will be back again next year.” While in Jurien Bay, the team visited the Pinnacles, the stromatolites at Lake Thetis, and went sand-boarding at Sandy Cape.