Written by Engel Masana, SSA Youth Influencer Limpopo

In order to promote Scouting and raise funds for their activities, 1st Polokwane Scout Group hosted an event at their Scout Hall at the Capricorn High School during their last term of 2021. I spoke to organisers Nicky Foster and Belinda Cowden, members of the Scout Group committee.

“I love being involved with the Scouts and the committee,” says Nicky. “It was great to see that this Scouts event was so successful. Over 100 people attended and this included the Cubs, Scouts, Adult Helpers, and people from the community. The aim was mainly to raise funds, but the Scouts showed off their skills and managed to recruit 3 new families to the 1st Polokwane Scout Group,” she says enthusiastically.

Everyone was involved in the planning of the event. Not only the committee but the Scouts as well. Including them really helped with preparations, ideas, and in following the COVID-19 rules and regulations.

“The experience was interactive and super fun!” continues Nicky. “The Scouts and Cubs were geared up in their Scout uniforms and fully prepared activities in their stalls. Each Patrol was responsible for doing two stalls, and the Cubs had two stalls as well. There were many fun and educational activities. They were given cards before starting where they would register or mark off the activity after completion. The card had the 10 Scout Laws behind it.

One of the most interesting and popular activities was making pancakes using a conservation stove. The stove was made using a tin, cardboard, and wax. It is a really good way to make food when one cannot have access to electrical stoves. More activities included trail science, orienteering, lashings, knotting, making water filters, and also learning about snakes, snake bites and treatments,” Nicky and Belinda explain.

“All these activities help Scouts develop basic foundation skills that are not even taught at schools. However, COVID-19 affected most activities in the world, and our Group is no exception. Some of our challenges include losing Scouts, having to stop or postpone plans, and also managing the burden of the pandemic on our finances as expenses continue to occur.”

Despite these challenges, the volunteers at 1st Polokwane continue to build the group and empower its young members. “It is an honour and privilege to be part of the global Scout Movement that brings change in the world,” concludes Belinda.

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