Katanning scouts give everything they’ve got at WA Scouts Maalia Medal challenge weekend

A Katanning scout unit gave their all at a State competition this month, falling just seven points shy of landing a podium position at their first Maali Medal camp-out. The three-day challenge began on April 5, and a team made up of Kaylee Sander, Zavier Potter, Luke Sander, and Zahra Gersbach — dubbed “Katanning Chaos” — were put through their paces against about 200 other scouts at the WA Scout site Manjedal in Byford. Katanning scout leader Ella Maesepp said the unit, ranging from 12 to 14 years old, had done Katanning proud. “Their maturity and teamwork, as well as their practical skills, were amazing,” she said. “Their high levels of experience gained through the scout program in Katanning shone through, and their result reflected that.” Adults were on hand if support was needed, but the unit operated independently to plan and set up their campsite, take care of cooking and hygiene and demonstrate bushcraft skills including first aid, navigation, pioneering, and canoeing. For Kaylee, the experience was liberating. “We were really impressed with how well we did at Maali Medal,” she said. “The food we cooked was amazing, and we really enjoyed being able to make our own decisions.” Twelve-year-old Zavier said Katanning Chaos would be taking no prisoners in 2025. “We definitely want to go back and compete again next year,” he said. “And this time we’re out to win.”