The first thing that Rovers can get from SWASH is familiarization days, or as we call them Water Activities Days. Typically we can take up to 40 people and we run a mix of canoeing, sailing and power boating around Sydney Harbour. However, this can be customized to say sail and canoeing only.

To further help with your activities we can train you. We believe as many people should be trained as possible, it makes it easier to run activities. This is particularly true for Rovers. As adults you have the capability to lead within Scouting.

We offer standard Scout Skills training courses in Canoeing and Sailing. To run your activities you need Level 2 qualifications. Or if you already have the skills you can do a RPL day to test your prior experience. As Rovers we encourage you to get these qualifications so you can run your own activities.

We also run powerboat courses. This also enables you to get your NSW Powerboat licence.

How can SWASH help you with your BP Award?

Below are some suggestions about how being active at SWASH can help you to achieve part of your BP Award if you and your crew believe this is appropriate.

Method A

Service Badge – Once a Rover has Level 2 Scout Skills qualification or higher in canoeing or sailing, they can act as an Activity Leader at the base in that skill. With 13 Water Activity Days plus course days in a season this gives over 104 hours of service in a season. There are also opportunities for service using marketing, fundraising and instruction and assessment skills. As part of this a Rover might undertake Branch Activity Leader Training and gain their Warrant as an Activity Leader.

Project Badge – The goals of the Project Badge can be measured by the development and achievement of qualifications in particular skills. In this case maybe from a novice to a Level 2 Sailor or maybe a combination of the skills that are done at SWASH; become a water expert by gaining Level 2 in Canoe, Sailing and your powerboat licence.

Method B

Social Development – As always this badge is seen as roughly the equivalent to the Service Badge in Method A. So the obvious option here is for Rovers to become qualified in both their skills on the water and as a Branch Activity Leader at SWASH.

Physical Development – Similar to the Project Badge, the goals of this badge can be measured by the development and achievement of qualifications in particular physical skills. In this case maybe from a novice to a Level 2 Sailor or maybe a combination of the skills that are done at SWASH; become a water expert by gaining Level 3 in Canoe, Sailing and Powerboat

Becoming an Activity Leader

Many Rovers become Leaders within the Association. Sometimes for Service requirements, sometimes to give back to Scouting because they love it and often for both reasons.

A Branch Activity Leader at SWASH is a way of becoming a warranted Leader and giving service back to Scouting, without the need to be formally attached to a Section or Group. It is ideal for those whose may not be able to commit enough time or commit enough of themselves personally to development within a Group environment. If you don’t want to hold a Warrant you can still come down and help with activities for which you are qualified. If too many Leaders/helpers turn up on any given day, then you can pull out a spare canoe or boat and join in

All of the above are great things that Rovers can gain by being involved with SWASH while having fun on the water. If you want to get involved or attend an activity we can be contacted: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

View our calendar at http://www.nsw.scouts.com.au/water/

"SWASH is the best place to be on a Sunday. I have been part of the SWASH Staff for 4 years now. I have learnt a lot of these 4 years from the old staff of SWASH who have mentored me over these 4 years. I have learnt to sail, canoe and how drive a power boat, all that I wouldn't have, if it wasn't for SWASH."

John Wicks - SWASH Staff

See you on the water