Newsletter #02 | December 2025
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
WHICH
CHOOSE THE BADGE
Thanks! Many of you sent us your artwork and your written ideas for the AJ2028 Badge.
You inspired our designer to create three possible designs for AJ2028.
In 10 seconds, you can see them and have your say.
Many of you also sent us your best ideas for a short SLOGAN that sums up the amazing experience that is a Jamboree.
Some that didn’t make the short list include: “Dare the Dust”, ‘Don’t eat the Joeys”, and this one (possibly from a Victorian Scout): “Enjoy the bus ride, Queensland!”
Vote for your favourite slogan and badge design!
And, if you wish, you can also make a final comment.
Now, let the voting begin.
Voting closes Monday January 13 2026
MONEY
AJ FEES, GEAR, ICE CREAM
The journey to AJ2028 is about many things: badgework, camping nights … and money.
Start now. Some cash might come from your family, from birthday presents, Group fundraising.
There are Jamboree fees. You might want some new gear like a stretcher. And spending money at AJ2028 for drinks and icecream.
How much will you try to earn? And how?
Here are some ideas that Scouts used to earn $1000s for AJ2025.
Will started a dog-walking business for his neighbours. Several times a week he’d head out for an hour with 2-3 dogs. The dogs were happy, he became healthier, and he earned $60 every week.
Kyle, who lives on a farm in Queensland, bought two young calves, cared for them for a year then sold them with his dad’s stock. Half his Jamboree fee was paid by grass.
Amber began a car wash business for her neighbours. Every 2-3 weeks she would wash and vacuum a set of cars for $20 each. Her happy customers recommended her to others, and her client list soon grew.
Seth sold raffle tickets in local shopping centres for Victoria’s Scout Monster Raffle. He had to get permission from the shopping centre management, plus a copy of Scouting’s insurance, and a letter from his Group Leader. Each six-hour day raised about $250.
Delilah made healthy dog treats. She tried different recipes, baked them, and tested them on her dog. She soon knew which recipes worked and developed her a range of treat, her brand, packaging, even a website. Mostly she sold at school, and to family and friends, but also at the local shopping centre (with permission). She was soon selling $200 of treats each week, and half was profit.
One day your goal might be to buy a car. And later even a house!
You can start learning to earn now, for AJ2028. It’s fun and very rewarding. And you’ll enjoy those ice creams.
WHAT'S YOUR BEST FUNDRAISER
WINNERS, GRINNERS
In the last AJ2028 newsletter we asked for your ideas on our badge and slogan.
Hundreds responded, and we’ve chosen three people whose ideas contributed to our designer’s work.
Each winner receives a $50 voucher from the Scout Shop. It’s heading their way by email.
Hayley L, Victoria
William C, South Australia
Kate K, New South Wales
Now we have three more $50 vouchers to give away.
What’s your best idea for a Scout or future Scout to start earning money to save up for AJ2028? Send your ideas NOW to marketing@aj2028.com.auDon’t forget to add your name, your Scout Group, and whether you’re a Cub, Scout, Venturer, Rover, Leader, parent or other.Competition closes Monday January 5 2026.
\
Who
WHO's SCOTTY
Scott Matthews is Deputy Chief Director (Program and Youth Experience) for AJ2028. He’s leading the teams that will provide onsite and offsite activities, and daily entertainment. In real life he’s an engineer, a Scout Leader at 1st Eltham, Victoria’s State Leader for Pioneering and Campcraft, and leads the Bushcraft team.
That photo of you as a Scout - what were you thinking?
We Won! Co-holder!
What’s your Jamboree story?
I never attended an Australian Jamboree as a Scout, only as a Leader, with the first in 2001, then 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 (both the Australian Jamboree at Tailem Bend SA, and the World Scout Jamboree in the USA), VicJam in 2022, the 2023 World Scout Jamboree in Seoul, and AJ2025. So, 10 Jamborees with two being international.
My favourite was the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.
Your Scouting lowlight?
My worst mishap as a Scout was cutting my arm when I was using a bush saw. It required a hospital visit, but no stiches.
When you’re not Scouting, do you have a life? What’s it like?
Spending time with family, hiking, getting lost in antique shops, markets.
You’re known as the guy who’s making pioneering great again. Is it true that most AJ2028 on-site and off-site activities will involve rope and poles?
I can neither confirm, nor deny.
Stay tuned for updates on the exciting program being planned.
(It’s much more than knotting.)
