FOR over 100 years, the Cub Scouts have been providing a fun, alternative route for children not ready for the challenges of scouting.
“We welcome all kids, ADHD, Autistic, physically disabled, everyone’s a winner in our eyes,” said pack leader Gabriella Webber, whose cub name is Raksha. “We work at the child’s level, so each one feels important. We teach them that they are valuable and how to respect even the most irritating peer.”
“We help them deal with bullying, and the games we play get them all enthusiastic to learn more. It’s pretty cool hey, watching their faces when they achieve something that they didn’t believe they ever could do,” said Webber.
Scouting was started by Lord Baden Powell in the UK in 1907.
It was aimed at schooling adolescent males in the art of survival, life-skills, teamwork and leadership. It was later formalised in South Africa the following year.
Webber’s cubs are part of the 4th Durban St Thomas Scout Group, which was formed in 1912.
“At the time, Lord Baden Powell and Rudyard Kipling (Author of The Jungle book), were best buds, and Baden Powell decided to use the Jungle Book as a theme for Cubs. Baden and Powell knew that young children learn best through play and used the Jungle adventures to inspire and teach children self-reliance and competency,” explains Webber.
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At the 4th Durban St Thomas Cub Pack, the children are guided through a series of exciting advancement badges, while being trained in life competency and developing their unique capabilities.
Children between the ages of 7 and 10 go camping, learn outdoor survival, and get involved in Community upliftment projects. They are taught to foster a passion for environmental awareness and the caring of others.
Cubs wear a uniform, so that they can be identified as part of an International Scouting Movement. These uniforms become saturated with badges, representing each cub’s achievement over a three year period.
“There is something for everyone,” said Webber.
For more information, contact pack leader (Akela) Judy Elderton on 084 670 4601 to join in January.
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