Michael Omand was recently awarded the Springbok Scout Award – the highest honour that a South African Scout can earn.
Also read: 1st Bedfordview Scout Troop enjoy a camp at the Maretlwane River
Fewer than one per cent of South African Scouts ever achieve this accolade and the 1st Bedfordview Troop is particularly proud of its latest recipient of the green and gold.
As part of the award, Michael planned, organised and ran a 40-hour community service project clearing invasive species from the Bill Stewart Nature Reserve.
Also read: 1st Bedfordview Scout Troop enjoy a weekend at the Vaal Dam
He also planned and ran a camp for 16 other Scouts in the Maretlwane Conservancy and planned and ran a gruelling 30km hike in the rugged Magaliesberg Mountains, including a kloofing expedition down Tongkwane Gorge.
He survived an eight-day survival camp on the banks of the Pogola River and also organised a variety of trips, hikes and camps for his patrol – including a trip on a steam train to the Cullinan Diamond Mine.
Michael planned and built a six-metre high monkey bridge with a tower as part of the requirements.
Michael moved to Scouts at the age of 11 from the Cub pack and his seven-year journey towards Springbok was a great adventure for him.
Highlights of his Scouting career included representing South Africa at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015 and completing the gruelling 10-day PLTU leadership course.
Michael is currently completing matric at St John’s College.
For more information about Scouting in Bedfordview, contact Andrew at andrew.campbell@scouts.org.za
For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
