Matua Scouts are planning a Christmas tree collection in January as part of a major fundraising drive to get their young members to the 24th Aotearoa New Zealand Scout Jamboree in 2026.

Matua Scout Group chairwoman Stacey Koppens said 21 local scouts are preparing for what she describes as “the adventure of a lifetime” at the jamboree at Mystery Creek from December 2026 to January 2027.

“As one of the largest scout groups in Tauranga, we’re incredibly proud of our youth who are determined to represent our community at this national event,” Koppens said.

She said the jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, bringing together Scouts from across New Zealand and around the world for 11 days of camping, adventure, learning and leadership.

“It’s a youth-led experience where Scouts discover more about themselves, develop life skills and build lifelong friendships, all while being supported by our dedicated volunteer leaders,” she said.

At the jamboree, Scouts would learn essential skills such as first aid, civil defence and emergency response, water safety and river crossings, and also do adventure activities including rock climbing, abseiling and sailing.

“Each contingent has sixers, and each sixer takes responsibility for cooking meals, maintaining the campsite and managing washing days,” Koppens said.

With the jamboree being held once every three years, many scouts would attend one during their time in the movement.

“That’s why we say jamborees happen ‘once in a Scout time’. For most scouts, it’s the highlight of their scouting journey,” Koppens said.

Fundraising begins with the Christmas tree collection from Saturday, January 10. Residents can register online, pay $15, remove decorations and leave their tree in an accessible spot for collection. Booking details are available on the Matua Scout Group NZ Facebook page or email: chair.matua@group.scouts.nz

Additional fundraising would include Bunnings barbecues, quiz nights, raffles and a market day, with the group selling sausages at Bunnings Tauranga on December 20 and 27.

“We warmly invite the community to support our ‘Road to Jamboree 2026’. Every tree collected, sausage sold, or raffle ticket purchased helps a young person take part in this incredible experience,” Koppens said.