South Australia has claimed a new world record, with 1,719 people roasting marshmallows at the same time during a sold-out campfire event at Woodhouse Adventure Park.
The official attempt took place on Saturday night as part of Flameboree, a major community event hosted by Scouts SA and Woodhouse Adventure Park in the Adelaide Hills.
The record-breaking moment saw families, Scouts, clubs, volunteer organisations and outdoor lovers gather around hundreds of campfires, surpassing the previous world record of 1,272 people set in Kansas, USA, in 2012.
As dusk fell across the 54-hectare adventure park, more than 900 participants took part in a flaming torch procession, winding through Woodhouse before gathering for the official attempt. The procession created a striking sea of torchlight across the property, setting the scene for what would become a historic night for South Australia.
For Woodhouse Adventure Park’s Marketing and Business Development Manager, Nicole Wood, the record was only part of what made the event memorable.
“To see Flameboree sell out and then go on to set a new world record is an incredible achievement for everyone involved,” Ms Wood said.
“What makes this event so special isn’t just the record itself. It’s seeing thousands of South Australians come together, share experiences with family and friends, and create memories around something as simple as a campfire.”
“The response to Flameboree shows just how much people value opportunities to step away from their busy lives, spend time together and enjoy the outdoors.”
The overwhelming response to the event reflects a growing appetite for outdoor, screen-free experiences, particularly at a time when families are increasingly looking for ways to reconnect away from devices.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed some of Woodhouse Adventure Park’s most popular activities, including Challenge Hill, the Labyrinth, Cameron’s Climb, Tube Slides and Orienteering, before gathering for the evening’s record attempt.
Scouts SA Chief Commissioner John Clarke said the success of Flameboree highlighted the continuing importance of outdoor adventure and community connection.
“Scouting has always been about building confidence, developing resilience, fostering leadership and creating lifelong friendships,” Mr Clarke said.
“Flameboree gave thousands of South Australians the opportunity to experience those values firsthand. While we may have set a world record tonight, the real achievement was creating an event that brought generations together and showcased the power of the outdoors to connect people.”
“Importantly, every ticket sold helps support the work of Scouts SA, ensuring more young South Australians can access the life-changing opportunities that Scouting provides.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, Scouts SA says every Flameboree ticket sold helps support its mission of empowering young people through adventure, leadership and personal development.
“Every person who attended Flameboree contributed to something bigger than a single event,” Mr Clarke said.
Following the official count, celebrations continued into the evening with campfire songs, marshmallows and festivities, while many participants camped overnight at the Adelaide Hills property.
While South Australia may now hold the world record for the most people roasting marshmallows simultaneously, organisers say Flameboree’s greatest achievement was bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the outdoors, support Scouts SA and rediscover the simple joy of gathering around a campfire.
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