Scouts to walk Black Cat Track

 By PISAI GUMAR 
SCOUTS in Morobe are preparing to trek the Black Cat Track on World Peace Day on Sept 23.
The aim of the walk is to restore peace and create awareness about the need to protect the 56km World War Two track which extends from the Morobe coast at Salamaua to Wau township.
Provincial scout commissioner Bart Ipambonj said according to the world scouting movement, peace and education were core elements scouts encouraged and pursued in all circumstances.
“The peace campaign along the Black Cat Track is to restore peace, instil confidence and conduct education awareness on how to protect the environment and harmonise with nature.”
He said they wanted to establish the scouting movement to involve youths along the trek and help them develop porter skills to understand, respect and care for the environment.
Ipambonj said despite bad publicity about the attack of four Australian trekkers and seven porters on Sept 11, 2013, the scouts were adamant to hike and experience the challenges the track offered to trekkers.
“Our motive is not about tourism. It’s about instilling peace and harmony, education awareness, establishing scouting and exploring nature.”
Northern regional scout trainer James Uwisa concurred with Ipambonj that peace education was significant in scouting movement worldwide. It was appropriate for Lae district scouts to pursue the challenge.
Ipambonj appealed to Morobe MPs and Lae-based companies to sponsor the scouts. The walk will include senior scouts from Lae, Watut, Buang, Bulolo and Grace Memorial Secondary School in Wau.