Springboks win scouts cookoff competition
BRYANSTON – Not only did the young Scouts need to cook their culinary delights on an open fire, they needed to build the preparation stations
The sharpening of young minds begins early and few better whetstones exist than Scouts.
Four patrols from the 1st Bryanston Scout group pulled out their knives, aprons and recipe books for their 1st Class Scout Cook-off on 9 May. Given the theme ‘Castaway with a touch of red and black’, the patrols were required to prepare a three-course meal comprised of raw materials one might find on a deserted island.
Not only did the young Scouts need to cook their culinary delights on an open fire, they needed to build the preparation stations and altar fireplaces from scratch. Using staves, poles, logs and rope, the troop members began expertly crafting their makeshift kitchens on Friday afternoon in preparation for the 7am Sunday morning start time.
“After a year of few events, it is great to bring back some normality to a Scout’s weekend. The troop misses being here and being with their patrol so we hope we can get back to doing the work we love. It is important we keep the motivation up and keep getting involved with the community” said Troop leader, Dieter Eckert.
The patrols had a 1pm deadline to begin plating up their efforts to impress the judging panel, which was made up of Scouters, past Springbok Scouts and two special guests. Gary Jackson of Jackson’s Real Food joined Sandton Chronicle editor Ashtyn Mackenzie to add a little sparkle to proceedings. “It was a privilege to judge such a worthy competition. This was a learning experience for both the young adults and myself. The Chronicle team support any initiative that promotes life skills,” acknowledged Mackenzie.
In addition to the quality of the food, the 1st Class Scout with the help from his patrol, were scored on a variety of aspects that centred around planning, effort and etiquette. Final tallies had Eagles, Hawks and Lions patrols in a tight race for second but in the end, Springboks patrol’s beautifully cooked chickens, also known as ‘seagulls’, (on point with the theme) earned them the victory on the day.
*Note: The incorrect headline was published in the Sandton Chronicle, week ending 14 May, stating that the Eagles had won. This is incorrect, as the Springboks won the cook-off, the Chronicle’s editor, Ashtyn Mackenzie apologies for this mistake.
Scouts is more than just an organisation that sculpts well-rounded, capable and confident young adults, it is an over 50-million member international family of the highest standard. By participating under the wing of exemplary role models to then growing to lead by example, nowhere else teaches the importance of the outdoors, the environment and the community.
