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Scouts thrive during pandemic

Hundreds of Cubs and Meerkats took part in the fun and are looking forward to the next fun day.

The start of the Covid-19 pandemic meant many cultural and social organisations had to close their doors and shutdown activities due to government regulations.

Northrand district commissioner Andrew Campbell said Scouts SA rose to the challenge though, with members taking part in several virtual and ‘distant scouting’ activities during lockdown.

Cubs and Meerkats across Gauteng took part in a Cub Fun Day on July 11, with parents helping Cubs make kites, build bird feeders from oranges and a range of other creations from the safety of their own homes.

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Hundreds of Cubs and Meerkats took part in the fun and are looking forward to the next fun day.

Campbell said Scouts have kept busy with The Amazing Race, where Scouts from around the district competed to see who could run 3km in the fastest time.

“Shannon Adendorf, from the 1st Edenvale Girl Troop, put her male compatriots to shame with her time of 13 minutes and 43 seconds, showing that girls can compete in the physical arena against men,” said Campbell.

Other Scouts kept busy with advancements, with Tanna Spratley from Eastleigh Sea Scouts achieving her Springbok Scout Award, the highest award a Scout can achieve.

“Several members have also completed their Covid-19 Awareness Badge, which is designed to provide the youth with relevant knowledge to safely navigate hazards of the pandemic.”

Campbell said all branches of Scouting have also been busy with online programmes.

The 1st Kengray and 1st Bedfordview Scout Groups were treated to a talk by Springbok Scout Robby Kojetin.

Kojetin kept the Scouts enthralled with how he summited Mount Everest after he recovered from two broken legs.

Three Rover crews from the Northrand District took part in an online competition with other crews from around Gauteng.

Another popular activity is Jars of Hope, with collections of food-stuff donated towards the needy.

The Jars of Hope project forms part of the Scouts SA’s contribution to Mandela Month.

“Although all members of Scouts SA cannot wait for the lockdown to end and to take up camping and hiking again, they have certainly shown that it is possible to have fun while in lockdown.”

Those interested in the Scouting movement can send an email to Andrew.campbell@scouts.org.za

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