Volunteer organisation Scouts South Africa has been around for more than a century and has been dedicated to developing the youth of South Africa.
By learning new skills and forming lasting friendships through the Scouts programme, generations of Scouts have grown up to become some of the nation’s most outstanding leaders.
By learning new skills, they can live better and happier lives.
ALSO READ: Closure on the cards for 1st Kempton Scouts
1st Kempton Park Scouts group leader Nick Hornby said membership is open to all boys and girls irrespective of race or beliefs.
“We cater for Cubs aged 7-10 and Scouts aged 11-17. We are in the process of registering a Meerkat Den for children aged 5-6 which will be finalised soon,” he said.
He added that scouting adds to the development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. It develops their leadership skills and character while teaching useful life skills for their future.
“It trains them to be responsible citizens and to make them healthy in body, mind and spirit.
“Cubs and Scouts acquire advancement badges as part of their journey.
ALSO READ: Kempton Park’s scouts group needs help
“The advancement programme provides the core training for first aid and emergency, hiking, camping, compass and mapping, knotting, pioneering, cooking, outdoor safety, conservation, cleanliness and topics relating to personal development.”
The interest badges relate to a wide range of activities designed to broaden the outside interests of a Cub or Scouts.
Scouting activities are planned around the interests and needs of the children and vary based on seasons of the year, and interaction with other groups in Ekurhuleni and at regional and national levels.
“We also celebrate special events or dates like Arbor Day, Recycling Day, Youth Day and more.
“As Scouts go about these activities, they learn the Scout way of honesty, integrity, fairness and success in life,” said Hornby.
ALSO READ: The Kempton Park Pipe Band still going strong after 16 years
Hornby said that Scouts are messengers of peace agents and this is done through community service projects, such as growing vegetables in well-prepared gardens. This can help provide food for the family, school or local health care projects.
Other community service projects the Scouts do are cleaning up the countryside by picking up litter or cleaning a nearby river, having basic first aid training, learning skills for future job interests, volunteering to help in the community at orphanages or health clinics, understanding how to prevent erosion, learning better literacy skills and interacting with people.
By using a tried and tested learning methodology, Scouts South Africa provides the youth with life skills and a social consciousness that enables them to grow up to be innovative leaders with integrity, creativity and determination.
“These characteristics are vital for the growth of our nation’s economy and democracy. To achieve our objectives, as an NPO organisation, we partner with educational institutions, organisations and corporate entities.
“This is where we would love to partner with individuals and businesses in the Kempton Park area in any of our programmes such sponsor a child, sharing of knowledge and donations.”
1st Kempton Park Scouts is situated at 22 Pienaar Avenue, Kempton Park.
For more information, contact Nick Hornby (1st Kempton Park Scouts group leader) on 082 960 1717, Darren le Roux (troup Scouter for ages 11-17) on 083 476 7417, Adele Stanley (Cub Pack Scouter for ages 7-10) on 081 234 2342 or Dee Lephalala (Meerkat Den Scouter for ages 5-6) on 062 421 5249.
Alternatively, residents who would like to find out more can email kemptonparkscouts@gmail.com
