To contribute to the development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals.
This is the mission of the Woodlands-based 58th Durban Air Scouts Group.
The 40-year-old scout movement is made up of a few different age groups, namely; meerkat program (ages 5 to 7), cub program (ages 7 to 11), Scout program (ages 11 to 18), rover program (ages 18 to 30) and the adult leaders for ages 18 and upwards.
“We currently do not have a meerkat or the rover programme. We would like to have the meerkat program but we need a leader before we can accommodate meerkats. There is a lot of training and experience that goes into being a leader. Each program has specific tasks that they need to do to obtain their badges which qualify them for the next level. Many of them are focused on conservation, life skills development and first aid,” said scout group leader Gregory Southy.
He also shared how the group is part of a conservation study focused on reducing plastic use and pollution in the country.
Scouts South Africa aims to contribute to the development of individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities by, developing their character; training them in citizenship and developing their spiritual, social, intellectual and physical qualities.
“I’m so passionate about this movement. It does so much for a young person and they get to learn so much and it exposes them to different activities,” said Gregory.
As in the name, the group is made up of air scouts as troops focus on aircraft and flying. They get to learn about flying and everything related to earning an air navigation badge. Although the outbreak of Covid-19 has slowed things down in the past year, the group looks forward to continuing its fun activities such as camps, hikes and outings on weekends or school holidays.
Dedicated scouts, Maria Southy and Daryl Abboo recently achieved their Springbok colours.
“Scouts runs in our family and I was hooked from the first time I attended a meeting back in 2013 at the age of 11. I just found that I fit in and have a purpose. The scout’s programme has taught me to do my best in everything I put my mind to and not measure myself up to anyone else. I have learnt so many values and morals. Scouts have developed me into who I am today,” said Maria.
Daryl joined in 2015 at the age of 10 after being influenced by his friend. “I’ve gone to many events through scouts and I’ve always strived to do my best in every task or activity. There is a lot of dedication, hard work and practice that goes into scouting and it is especially challenging to try to balance it with school, but it’s all very rewarding,” he said.
Parent, Dean Greeves also shared how he appreciated how the programme has taught his son responsibility and discipline.
Troop scouter, Andrea De Langa shared that a lot of responsibility and leadership goes into managing the scouts.
“Seeing the children grow and develop is what I love most about what I do. Man children are very quiet and shy when they first join. But as the weeks go by, you see them come out of their shell and become part of the family whether they all start working well together. To see a young person grow and learn skills that some adults don’t know is very inspiring.” she said.
“Scouting requires not only the time and input of the child but requires the family’s support to make the scouting experience complete. Scouting provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond and build healthy relationships with their children,” added Gregory.
The group appeals to keen youth to sign up for a movement that promises adventure and personal development.
The cubs meet on a Friday from 17:00 to 18:30 during the school term. The scouts meet during school terms from 19:00 to 21:00 on Friday nights at 18 Harvard Place, Woodlands (under the water tower).
For more information or to sponsor a scout contact Gregory on 082 805 7665.
