Local adventurers share their tales of Scouting
The fun and experience of adventure form a central part of Scouting activities, but they focus strongly on developing skills among the youthful members.
Scouts South Africa has branches across the country, including four in Benoni.
Cubs is for boys and girls from the age of seven to 11, and Scouts is for teenagers between 12 and 18 years old.
There is also a Rover branch, whose members are young adults between the ages of 18 and 35.
“All the groups in Benoni offer a diverse range of activities and learning opportunities in order to develop the character and leadership skills of the Cubs and Scouts,” said Mike Weeks, Scout Group Leader of the First Benoni Sea Scouts.
“The aim of Scouts South Africa is to contribute to the development of children and young adults in achieving their full potential as individuals, responsible citizens and members of the community.”
Weeks said the Scouts are trained in citizenship and their character as well as spiritual, social, intellectual and physical qualities are developed.
He added that the adventures and other activities of the Scouts are meant to develop leadership and cooperation skills among them and also to teach them responsibility.
An important event hosted by Scouts South Africa in Benoni is the annual Kon Tiki competition, which is one of the largest Scout activities in the country.
The competition consists of rafts being constructed, to be crewed on Homestead Dam for 24 hours without making landfall.
Camping and cooking skills are also tested.
The activity is held at the Arrowe Park camping grounds and is usually attended by 3 000 participants over a weekend.
The four Benoni groups can be found or contacted at the following locations and email addresses:
- First Benoni Sea Scouts — Ebenezer Street, Alphen Park, at Homestead Dam — Mike Weeks: sgl@1stbenoni.org.za.
- Fourth Benoni Air Scouts — corner of Morris Avenue and Solomon Street, Morehill — Rodney Scott: rwscott@absamail.co.za.
- Sixth Benoni Scouts — Hanekam Street, Northmead — Heath Dickson: chairman@6thbenoni.org.
- Ninth Benoni Scouts — Ebenezer Street, Alphen Park, at Homestead Dam — Craig Butterworth: craig@3w.co.za.
- Regional Support Team Leader for the East Rand — Joy Hutchinson: joyhutch@mweb.co.za.
Most groups meet on Friday afternoons or evenings, during normal government school terms.
