Meerkats under the African sun
This group of dedicated young enthusiasts were eager to advance through the ranks.
A badge is not just a badge for the 1st Eagles Meerkats. It’s a symbol of proudly acquired skills that were honed through a wide variety of exciting activities.
On Saturday, March 19 this group of dedicated young enthusiasts were eager to advance through the ranks when they put both their culinary and physical skills to the test in hopes of obtaining the Eating Healthy and Keeping Fit badge.
With the theme of the year being International Days, and March 13 being African Scouts Day, the core of this event was all about the African sun.
According to Eloise du Preez, 1st Eagles Meerkats Den Scouter, the little ones were required to put together a fruit salad, and then use their energetic little bodies to perform a number of physical activities which included sit-ups, galloping like a horse, hopping like a bunny and balancing on a beam.
“We also enjoyed a lovely picnic first thing in the morning. This activity is one of a few that have to be completed in order to obtain the Adventure Badge,” she explained.
After the picnic Meerkats Marli du Preez and Ethan Heyns were over the moon when they received their attendance badges for the first term. Ethan was awarded an 80% attendance badge while Marli received a badge for 100% attendance.
However, the highlight of the day was when little Marli was surprised with a very special award. She received the Champion Badge. According to Eloise this badge can not be approved by a Den Scouter or an Assistant Den Scouter, only an by a Regional Team Coordinator: Meerkat Programme – Gauteng.
Nominating Marli for this badge was her mother, Eloise.
“I was very sick when I tested positive for Covid. Since Marli and I live on our own, she was with me at home the entire time. One night I felt very dizzy and fell over. Marli kept very calm and fetched a cold, wet cloth to put over my head. Her first reaction was to put me in a recovery position,” Eloise explained.
“She was very adamant to phone the ambulance, but I explained to her that I am okay and no ambulance was needed. She helped me up (as much as a six-year-old can help an adult onto their feet) and walked me to my bedroom, telling me to lie down on the bed. She went to fetch me water and told me to call her if I needed any help.”
During this time little Marli was very worried about her mother and refused to leave her side. She has looked after Eloise by making breakfast (cereal with minimal mess), sweeping the floors and even mopping. She hoped that it would make life a little easier for her recovering mother.
Needless to say Marli showed a lot of courage and remembered to apply what she had learned at Meerkats.
Greg Wattleworth (Wolf) – the group’s Scout Group Leader – proudly handed over the sought-after badge to the brave little Meerkat.
“I am terribly proud of every Meerkat here. We try to teach them and prepare them for anything. It is not always easy because they do not always understand everything, but it is important that they know how to handle any situation,” Eloise concluded.
“I think we teach them the life skills they need, and we always try to make it fun. It is a great honour and privilege for me to walk the path with the young Meerkats.”
If you are interested in joining this group, or want to find out more, feel free to contact Eloise on 083 232 8644 or Adrienne on 083 643 0061.
