Springbok Scout Awards presented to local Scouts
“Nothing beats spending time outdoors, learning new skills and having fun with friends.”
Two Scouts from First Edenvale Scout Troop were presented with the highest scouting achievement, the Springbok Scout Award.
Hailey Pope and Nathan Fluke received their awards in May this year in front of Scouts from the Gauteng region at the Kontiki raft event.
“It’s a spectacular achievement and feels amazing,” said Hailey.
“The hard work paid off,” added Nathan.
To receive their awards, the duo had to rise through the ranks of their troop and fulfil requirements for the Springbok Badge.
These requirements included organising a hike, a camp, completing a 40-hour long service project and a construction project, preparing a meal and holding a discussion about mutual respect.
Hailey explained that her service project saw members of the troop assist Bunny Hop Haven in Observatory.
“We redeveloped the vegetable garden, installed a new irrigation system and planted a vegetable at the organisation.
“I am passionate about helping animals so the project was close to my heart. I wanted to make Bunny Hop Haven as self-sustaining as possible.”
Her construction project saw her and other members construct a six-metre tall rock climbing wall from wooden poles, ropes and boards.
Like Hailey, Nathan also decided to help animals in need by constructing four large kennels for Pet Empowerment in Townships (PETS) Johannesburg.
The wooden kennels are carpeted inside and made from pallets and wooden boards.
Nathan thanked Build It Edenvale and Teresa Da Silva for assisting with supplies.
“Three of the kennels were already donated to community members.”
“Humans can take animals for granted but through my project I was able to allow people to show their affection to their pets and make them feel loved.”
Nathan’s construction project saw him and other members create a six-metre tall tower and a three-metre tall tower connected with a monkey bridge.
His construction was also made from wooden poles and rope.
Lastly, Nathan and Hailey went through a panel interview where various Scouting representatives from the Gauteng asked them a series of questions.
“The questions and interview allowed the representatives to get to know us a bit better and discuss our development within the movement,” said Hailey.
Hailey and Nathan said they thoroughly enjoyed their journey towards their Springbok Badge.
Because Nathan has already turned 18 he has left First Edenvale Scout Troop, but continues to participate in the scouting movement as a Rover at the 1st Bedfordview Scout Troop.
Hailey, on the other hand, is still at the troop and hopes to join the 1st Edenvale Rover Crew when she turns 18.
Going forward she hopes to work as a photojournalist in the scouting community.
The pair encouraged children to join the Scouting movement.
“Nothing beats spending time outdoors, learning new skills and having fun with friends,” said Nathan.
