1st Bryanston Scout honoured with prestigious Springbok award
Philip Obermeyer was recently awarded the Springbok Scout Award which is the highest award after 10 years of scouting service.
The Springbok Award is South Africa’s highest Scout achievement, requiring completion before the applicant’s 18th birthday, and Philip Obermeyer managed to do just that and a bit more and was the recipient of this prestigious award which he received on November 4 at Gilwell Scouts Centre.
Philip has achieved his award – the highest award after 10 years of service and hard work which he had achieved in 13 weeks, instead of 18 months. He is very talented, understands concepts and is naturally very curious about life – especially maths, physical science, and Information Technology.
He joined Scouting at the age of seven years and earned the Leaping Wolf Award before moving on to 1st Eagle Scouts and achieving the Springbok Scout Award at 1st Bryanston Scouts. Scouts faced challenges in badge work, organising events, and learning to lead new members, while also learning about balance, time management, personal development and maintaining motivation. He said that Scouting helps him interact with others, learn teamwork and leadership skills, and make new friends.
“Joining a Scout Troop involves learning about the Scouts’ Promise, law, and Scouting background. As a Scout, we learn new skills, become assistant patrol leader, well-rounded citizen, a leader of Scouts, and lead projects,” Philip reiterated that planning early is crucial to avoid missed opportunities.
His mother, Sandra Obermeyer who commended his dedication and leadership skills, said that while he completed tasks and overcame obstacles, he also imparted knowledge to younger Scouts, focusing on Advanced First Aid, survival, and hiking.
Philip had to hike long distances, camp for at least 30 nights, and plan activities like hikes, camp, and service projects. Scouting’s mission is to educate young people through the Scout Law and Promise, developing character, leadership, tolerance, and environmental ethics.
“Philip’s understanding of the Scout Law and Promise has grown as he matured. He presented his logbooks for Service Project, Camp Report, Banquet Report, and Hike – demonstrating how Scouting has developed him spiritually, mentally, socially, and physically,” Sandra said and further stated that seeing him growing up and what he has achieved makes him a good person on the inside; true to himself, respectful to other people, and very compassionate and hard-working.
The Springbok Expedition requires a three-day, two-night expedition over a new route, with at least 30km of walking distance. The group must consist of at least four Scouts, including the narrator, and plan the route on a map. A log detailing the route, directions, and landmarks must be submitted within four weeks. The expedition is signed off by the Regional Troops Co-ordinator (RTC) Scout Programme or their nominee. Badge requirements include passing the First Aid interest badge, demonstrating the radio voice procedure, reciting the Phonetic Alphabet, and carrying an oral message.
His Troop leader, Dieter Eckert described Philip as hardworking, focused and committed to ensuring his success while uplifting his community.
