Scout has his sights set of renovating Arrowe Park chapel

Nestled among towering trees in the far reaches of Arrowe Park, Kevin Bartholomew (16) of Atlasville is hard at work planning his legacy project as part of his Springbok Trail.

Kevin, the youngest of three brothers, is following in his older siblings’ footsteps to reach the highest ranking within the scouting movement, which will involve revamping the seating at the open air chapel and increasing its capacity.

At the age of six, Kevin joined the Ninth Benoni Scout Troop, Lakefield, and systematically climbed the ranks in the shadow of his brothers.

The School of Achievement learner is embarking on this trail on his own, hoping that his community service project will not only enhance the appearance of the area but will remind scouts that anything is possible, if you are determined to succeed.

“Scouts is a non-denominational movement however, I come to the chapel at the end of camp outs or other scout related activities, to reflect on the process and its impact,” he said.

“We annually use the space to celebrate our founder, Lord Baden Powell’s birthday on BP Sunday, but the seating has become weather worn over the years.

“Further to that, it does not offer enough seating to the more than 500 scouts that converge here.”

According to Errol Treacher, Troop Scouter for Ninth Benoni, the chapel as it stands, was erected in the early 70s after the original structure and benches were swept away into Homestead Dam, by severe flooding.

“The original chapel bore remembrance plaques of scouts who had passed away,” said Treacher.

“The oldest plaque on the existing structure dates back to 1972, so the benches, which were made from railway sleepers have faced the elements for more than 50 years and evidently are in dire need of refurbishment.”

As part of his trail journey, Kevin not only had to conjure up a project, but had to present a detailed plan, along with technical illustrations, of how he intends to complete the project and how he will source funding for it.

“There are currently 20 benches, some of which have completely eroded,” he said.

“I have been in contact with a local company that manufactures plastic timber, using recycled plastic. The company have committed to supplying the necessary material at a reduced cost.

“Once I have secured enough funding, the timber will be cut to size and my Calisto troop and I will assemble and plant the benches, thus securing it in place.”

It is hoped that once completed, seating will be increase to 38 benches with two flanks being added.

“If everything goes to plan, we will spend four weekends assembling the benches and another putting it in place,” said Kevin.

“I hope to have it all completed in time for the 2024 BP Sunday.”

Treacher explained that the Springbok award is a culmination of all the skills that a scout had learnt throughout his or her scouting career.

“We pride ourselves in not only teaching survival skills, but equipping members with real-life skills which will aid them in becoming self-sufficient and independent adults, who easily take on leadership roles,” said Treacher.

“Therefore, when embarking on the trail, the scouts are left to draw on all these skills to not only plan their projects but to source all the necessary equipment and ultimately lead their patrol in its completion.

“We offer advice and guidance when asked but the onus rests with the scout to see it through to fruition.”

Sitting on one of the benches where he has spent countless hours reflecting on his role as a scout, Kevin says that embarking on the trail is more than just a scouting formality for those who have come of age.

“Scouting has taught me everything I know. I have become the person I am today because of all the skills I have been taught, the mentorship I received from older scouts as well as our leaders and because I have been encouraged to grow into the best version of myself,” he said.

“As a scout we all participate in the same activities, but we each have different experiences, which shape and mould us.

“At first these characteristics aren’t evident but at one point you find yourself surrounded by your friends and you notice the subtle difference in behaviour, which sets you apart.

“I am humbled to have come so far in my journey but most importantly, I am proud of who I have become.”

For more information or to make a donation contact Kevin on 079 727 3281 or email kevinbartholomew748@gmail.com.

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