“If we had scout groups in every community, the future would indeed be bright. All we need is more adult leaders who want this in their community.“
So says Angela Lee-Wright, an adult leader from the 1st Muizenberg scout group.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be a scout, but girls weren’t allowed at that time. Scouts South Africa opened its doors to girls in 2000, which was a significant step forward,“ says Ms Lee-Wright.
In 2016, when her then 8-year-old niece joined 1st Muizenberg’s cub pack for children aged 7 to 10, she signed on as an assistant pack scouter.
She later became assistant scout group leader in 2019 and scout group leader in 2020.
She was among the more than 130 adult scout leaders from around South Africa who gathered for the Pack Scouters Pow Conference at the Rocklands Centre in Simon’s Town from Wednesday August 7 to Sunday August 11.
The conference is held every two years and according to Nicky Jonas, the coordinator for this latest one, it’s a chance for pack scouters to meet, share new ideas and learn from each other.
The participants learnt new games for interest badges, strategies for working together and techniques to prevent burnout, Ms Jonas said.
The cub programme that the adult leaders run teaches children leadership, independence and respect for nature, according to the programme’s national chairman, Nkululeko Majola.
“In the cub programme, most groups cater to both boys and girls from various backgrounds. Children learn how to communicate with one another, respect each other, and care for each other in a safe, fun, adventurous, and educational environment. This promotes gender equality and builds self-esteem, leadership skills, and character,” she said.
“The highlight for me,” said Ms Lee-Wright, “has been the exchange of ideas on how to expand access to scouting and enhance the programme’s impact.”
The 1st Muizenberg Sea Scout Group has over 30 cubs and a long waiting list.
“Parents are increasingly recognising the benefits of the programme for their children. From my personal experience with my nieces, I believe every child should be a part of scouts as it caters to the individual as well as the group,“ Ms Lee-Wright said.
To find out more about joining scouts, email info@scouts.org.za, WhatsApp 068 069 9463, go to www.scouts.org.za or visit your nearest scout hall.
