Buddha’s Light Scout Group QLD Takes on the Challenge of Operation Nighthawk 2026

Writer: Meng

Buddha’s Light Scout Group QLD was proud to take part in Operation Nighthawk 2026, during 8th and 9th Aug with two patrols from the Scout Section 15 members and one patrol from the Venturer Section 5 members accompanied by 6 leaders, travelling to Clifton, approximately two hours and 15 minutes from Brisbane, for an exciting weekend of adventure, teamwork and learning.

The group travelled to and from the event by bus, creating a wonderful opportunity for the Scouts and Venturers to spend time together, build friendships and share in the excitement of the adventure.

Operation Nighthawk is one of Queensland Scouting’s most significant youth activities. Since its inception in 1982, it has grown to become the largest Scouting youth activity in Queensland, other than Jamborees, and is supported by Scouts and Venturer Scouts from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

The event is an overnight bush hike packed with activity bases designed to challenge participants in a variety of skills. Scouts and Venturers put their knowledge and abilities to the test through activities including mapping, first aid, Scouting skills, leadership and technical skills. Beyond the individual challenges, the event provides young people with valuable opportunities to develop resilience, communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

For the Scouts and Venturers from Buddha’s Light Scout Group, the weekend was filled with challenges, laughter, teamwork and memorable experiences. Every participant demonstrated great determination and team spirit, supporting one another throughout the event.

A special congratulations goes to Phoenix Patrol from the Scout Section, which achieved an impressive 11th place. This was a fantastic result and a reflection of the patrol’s hard work, teamwork and commitment. The teams included Michelle,  Ethan, Jessie,  Luke, Freya, Eric and Miller, Michelle is the Patrol Leader for this Patrol.

However, the real success of the weekend was seeing all our Scouts and Venturers challenge themselves, work together and enjoy the experience. Their willingness to participate, learn and support their teammates was something to be proud of.

A Big Thank You to Our Leaders and Volunteers

An event of this scale would not be possible without the many adults who give their time and energy to support our young people.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Leaders who supported the Scouts and Venturers throughout the weekend. Their dedication involved many hours of preparation, travelling, organising, supervising and, in some cases, sleepless nights to ensure that the young people could safely enjoy this adventure.

We also recognise the many people who worked quietly behind the scenes. Their contributions and personal sacrifices may not always be visible, but they play an important role in making events such as Operation Nighthawk possible.

A special thank you goes to Kwang Hooi, one of our wonderful volunteers, who put considerable effort into preparing food before the event. His preparation made cooking at the campsite much simpler and more efficient for the Leaders and youth.

Kwang Hooi even prepared a delicious Japanese curry and rice and placed it into thermal pots, allowing everyone to enjoy a warm and hearty lunch after arriving at the campsite and completing the camp setup. This thoughtful contribution was greatly appreciated by everyone.

Building Skills, Confidence and Memories

Operation Nighthawk is much more than an overnight hike. It is an opportunity for young people to step outside their comfort zones, put their Scouting skills into practice and learn how to work effectively as a team.

For many participants, the challenges can be physically and mentally demanding. Yet it is through these experiences that Scouts and Venturers develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills that can benefit them well beyond Scouting.

The event also demonstrates the strength of the wider Scouting community. Hundreds of young people, Leaders and volunteers come together to create an experience that encourages adventure, friendship and personal growth.

Operation Nighthawk was entered in the Outdoors Queensland Awards in 2019 and won, recognising the quality and significance of the event and the dedication of the people who have supported it over many years.

Buddha’s Light Scout Group is grateful to be part of this wonderful Scouting tradition and proud of the efforts of our Scouts, Venturers, Leaders and volunteers.

Congratulations to Phoenix Patrol on their 11th-place finish, and well done to all our Scouts and Venturers for their fantastic teamwork, enthusiasm and determination.

We hope everyone returned home tired but proud, with plenty of stories to tell and memories that will last for years to come.