IN recent years, being involved with the Scouts has been viewed as something considered lame and uninteresting. There is also a misconception that Scouts is just about selling cookies, getting merit badges, and going camping.
The reality though is vastly different, not only do they help their community, they earn awards and become leaders and independent thinkers.
Just ask the Durban North duo Emma Gultig and Rio Notra Segal, who were presented with their Springbok Scout Award Certificates at the annual KZN awards ceremony recently. Northglen News recently caught up with the Danville Park Girls’ High School pupils who are part of the 57th Trafalgar Sea Scouts based in Virginia.
The Springbok award is the highest award attainable by a Scout in South Africa. In order to get the prestigious award, a Scout must complete at least 40 hours of community service, lead a hike of over 30 kilometres in unfamiliar territory, make a three course meal on the fire and plan and construct a pioneering project, which includes a fully functional mini replica.
“It was an amazing experience and I’m humbled by the award certificate. It proves to me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I still think the conception of girl scouts is that we sell cookies and build fires but there is so much more to it. There is adventure, you get to go outdoors, you learn about life and our motto is ‘be prepared’ which we always are,” Emma said.
Her thoughts were echoed by Rio, who said growing up, she had a passion for outdoor living.
“I was always somewhat of a tomboy and when we moved down to Durban from Joburg, I joined the scouts. It ignited a passion within me but I also realised I had a knack for survival. It’s like surviving in the wild, using the environment around you, it’s like Bear Grylls without the camera crew. I think for young girls out there looking for camaraderie and adventure, the scouts is the way to go,” Rio said.
The intrepid duo have also hiked in some of the routes less travelled and say one of the highlights of their scouting journey has been the trek up the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape.
“That was fantastic. I lead the hike which took about 12 days covering 125km. I did this hike twice, in 2012 and 2014, and covered different routes each time. which is mainly uphill. You get to visit a number of activity centres where you can participate in activities ranging from abseiling, para-sailing, archery marksmanship and rock climbing to sailing and gold panning. It also allows you to put your skills to the test,” Emma said.
