The 1st German Scout Group’s annual general meeting was by no means ordinary with a Scout-themed wedding – a first for the 1st German Scout Group – and a talk by a bucket list guru to inspire the young Scouts and Cubs.
Despite the chill in the air on 28 October, the atmosphere was lively at the Scout Hall on the corner of Napier and Sans Souci roads in Parktown North.
Robby Kojetin – a bespoke speaker and bucket list guru, who was also a Scout – kicked off the meeting with a motivational talk on how he rebuilt his life after he broke both his ankles and permanently damaged his joints, after a climbing-wall accident, forcing him into a wheelchair for a year.
Kojetin took the young Cubs and Scouts, along with their mums and dads, through his story of how he went from feeling a sense of hopelessness to reaching the summit of Mount Everest wearing his World Scout badge. “I took it to the top of Everest because I believe scouting works,” he said.
Kojetin has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro nine times and five of the seven summits.
As a parting thought for the 1st German Scout Group, Kojetin said, “The groups and the movement that we keep alive and going in inspiring the young ones, is it just something to keep them busy on a Friday night and every third Saturday, or, are we changing the world, one little person at a time?”
During the meeting, the 1st German Troop Scouter, Thomas Helmrich described just how the Scouts were being inspired and living out the fundamental Scout motto, ‘Be Prepared’. He also called on families to get involved to empower and inspire the young Scouts.
A cycle rally, camps, hikes, fundraising at the Schul Bazaar, raft building and a camping standards competition camp were just a few of the many activities that inspired learning among the Scouts this year.
Scout Daniel Oberholzer stood out this year and was awarded the Flame of Excellence.
Scout Group Leader and Pack Scouter, Deryn Petty also shared how a swimming gala, district camp and the German Cub Camp were among the many activities that kept the Cubs (seven to 11-year-olds) inspired in 2017.
Petty was proud to award the Golden Axe trophy to Cub Onalerona Kubheka.
After the meeting, there was a flurry of excitement as the youngsters held a Scout-themed ceremony for Helmrich and his new wife, Caitlin Helmrich, who had tied the knot just one week before the meeting.
Scout Liesa Vogel read a blessing for the newlyweds and Assistant Troop Scouter, Tania van Heerden baked cupcakes for the celebration.
Details: 1st German Scout Group, thomashelmrich@gmail.com; Robby Kojetin, www.robbyspeaks.com
