Around 700 venturer scouts camping at the Mayfield Domain have helped create two colourful murals at the Mayfield swimming pool, as part of a service project to the small rural town hosting the big event.

The venturers, plus about 250 supervisors, have been living in a temporary tent city in the domain and over the past week or so have undertaken all sorts of adventures around the district. The young people depart on Sunday 8 January and the domain will be returned to normal over the following days.

Ignite ’23 attracted venturer scouts (14-19 years) from all over New Zealand and Australia, and event director Wendy Eyles said they had had a lovely time at Mayfield.

“We’re very aware we are a big group and can make a bit of noise, but we’ve had great support from locals and the public. It’s been a lovely experience and the pool murals will be a lasting, colourful reminder of our adventures here.”

As part of the camp’s programme, scouts were asked to contribute designs for two murals to be painted on the changing rooms at the Mayfield swimming pool, which the group has been using.

Two scenes, one featuring a giant weta, were selected based on the theme “Nature’s back yard”.

The project was supported by a $576 grant from the Ashburton District Council via the New Zealand Creative Communities Scheme. Wattyl also provided discounted paint for the work.

Organisers of the large-scale scout camp have also been working with the Mayfield Reserve Board, the Mayfield A&P Show committee, Mayfield playcentre, the Mayfield Swimming pool, Mayfield Squash Club, Mayfield tennis club and the local rugby club.

People will be able to access public toilets in the Mayfield Domain again from 12 January and temporary public toilets in the carpark area of nearby Panther’s Rock will remain until then.