Scouts reach 111 mark
FOURWAYS – It was a day of fun in the sun and celebration as the Sandton Scouting District celebrated their founder's birthday with a service and swimming gala.
It has been 112 years since Lord Robert Baden-Powell founded the World Scout movement and 111 years since Scouting first came to South Africa.
In celebration of Baden-Powell’s birthday (22 February) the 1st Fourways Scouting group hosted a special service and sporting event which included all the seven Scout groups in the Sandton district.
The groups gathered for the event were the hosts, 1st Bryanston group, the 1st River Trail group, the 1st Parkmore group, the 1st Peter Place group, the 1st Morningside group and the 1st Midrand group. The celebrations took place at the Crawford Preparatory Fourways grounds in Craigavon and were attended by between 400 and 500 people including Scouts and their families.
“We hosted our BP [Baden-Powell] Sunday service today, which is to commemorate our founder Baden-Powell and is held on the Sunday closest to his birthday,” explained Gary Pienaar, a Scout group leader for the 1st Bryanston Scouts and who helped organise the celebrations.
“The Sandton District has a tradition of hosting a fun swimming gala after the service which we’ve done for many years.”
At the gala, children competed in races in their age group, took part in novelty races and an award was also handed out for the most spirit shown from supporters.
“The Scout movement focuses on youth development and teaching both boys and girls how to be good citizens. Those involved learn self-reliance, independence and good leadership skills,” Pienaar said.
“In today’s society, children are brought up in an insular way. But Scouting exposes them to other people, gives them a chance to make new friends and enjoy the outdoors.”
Scouting is an opportunity for both girls and boys to learn. Children aged five to seven can join the Meerkats, children aged seven to 11 can join the Cubs and children aged 11 to 18 can join the Scouts.
Details: www.scouts.org.za; Scouts Regional Office 011 440 6490.
