From cubs to top scouts

FIVE scouts from the Surat Hindoo Group in Durban have reached the highest level by becoming Springbok Scouts.

The scouts – Pia Ramcharitan, Sharik Ramjee, Janae Nagan, Sachin Daya and Kiaan Patel – enrolled to be part of the group between the ages of 6 to 11.

They are now all 18. The scouts have gone through a long journey of learning life skills ranging from camping to leadership.

Pia, of Phoenix, said she was shy and nervous when she joined the group at age 7, but she had grown into a young Springbok scout. She matriculated at age 16 and is a second year student at AFDA (School for the Creative Economy) studying for a BA in Motion Picture Medium.

“As I entered the Surat Hindoo Scout Hall as a cub, I learnt the basics of both life and scouting skills. My first camp was an eye-opener to the adventure that awaited me in future and it left me with lifelong memories.

“I continued as a cub, working my way to the top with the motivation from my pack and leaders, and later earning my Leaping Wolf Badge.

“I was met with a more advanced programme and given the opportunity to interact with people from different ages and backgrounds. The scout motto ‘Law and Promise’ became not just passages to know, but a part of my morals and values, shaping me as a person.”

She said scouting had given her a new perspective of the world and she had learnt the value of teamwork while having fun.

“One of my core memories is of an obstacle course on camp where we were blindfolded and led through it by a partner. The whole time I was terrified of walking into a hole or straight into a tree, but I had a great partner guiding me.

"This taught me how to trust and it allowed me to let my guard down with my friends. By learning to trust, my walls lowered and I became bolder and open to new experiences.

“With scouting, I had the opportunity to lead my peers, which boosted my confidence levels and encouraged me to learn team management skills.”

Pia was also able to travel and seek adventure and had the opportunity to attend the South African National Jamboree in the Free State in 2017.

Sharik Ramjee, of Umgeni Park, joined the group as a cub a few months before his 7th birthday. Ramjee completed his studies at Durban High School last year. He attained three distinctions in mathematics, physics and computer science and plans on studying actuarial science at Wits University this year.

“I used this time to determine whether I enjoyed being a cub and if I should stay. Inevitably, I really enjoyed it and went on to get invested just after I turned 7. The fun games and interesting activities helped me grow bonds with the other scouts.

“At the age of 11, I achieved my Leaping Wolf Badge as a cub. This is the highest award achievable for a cub.

“I was excited to move up as I had always seen the incredible and challenging tasks the scouts did. After a few years of learning new skills and going on many camps and hikes, I became a patrol leader. I was serious about scouting and was constantly working on my advancement badges.

“Finally, the time for me to begin my Springbok journey arrived. I knew it was not going to be easy, but I decided I would take it one step at a time. My fellow Springboks and I did our community service projects at the BP campsite where we helped build retaining walls around the campsites.”

Janae, of Overport, said the group became her home away from home from 2015 when she was just 11 years old. She attended Durban Girls’ High and matriculated last year. She plans on studying either health sciences or psychology at the University of KZN this year.

“Looking back, joining the scouts was one of the best decisions I made. I remember learning the eight basic knots on my first day and being included in every aspect of the programme.

“Scouting gave meaning to the saying ‘there’s no I in the word team’. The friendships and memories that I was fortunate enough to create are ones I will always hold near and dear.

“The understanding and relationships created as scouts are indescribable but more so unparalleled. Approaching my Springbok title, there was challenge after challenge, accompanied by victory after victory. Each activity was an event of its own with lessons of its own.

“I learnt leadership and from being a quiet girl in the world, I have found my voice and my place through scouting.

“Having the responsibility of ensuring that everything plays out the way it was planned and that all younger scouts are safe and cared for is a responsibility that only experience prepares you for. I have learnt about who I am through my Springbok journey.”

Sachin, of Somerset Park, said scouting was not just about partcipating in activities but a lifestyle. His scouting journey began at age 8.

“My scouting career was influenced by my father, who was also a scout in the early 1980s. Over the past ten years, I have learnt numerous things and made many memories. The influence that scouting has had over me has shaped me into the person I am today.

“Ever since starting, my goal was to become a Springbok Scout. This has many requirements, namely planning a two-night camp, completing a two-night expedition, as well as holding a banquet for 20 people.

“These events took endless hours of planning but it was possible to complete with the assistance from our leaders. I learnt invaluable lessons about leadership, planning, and communication skills. These can be applied later in life and aid me in overcoming the difficulties and challenges I may face. While I have attained my Springbok colours, I plan on continuing my scouting career by becoming a Rover.”

Sachin, who matriculated from Northwood School, plans on studying computer science at the University of Cape Town.

Kiaan of Reservoir Hills, began scouting at the age of 6.

“Scouting has made me the person that I am today. It has empowered me with the knowledge on how to be a leader and how to act as a leader. Besides enhancing my leadership qualities, it has allowed me to enjoy the beauty of nature, and be more disciplined and respectful towards all living beings on this planet. It has also taught me the Scout Law, which I use as a guideline so that I may live a good and successful life.

“It has helped develop my academic skills, self-confidence, and life skills. This includes my ethics, leadership skills, citizenship skills, and survival skills. My journey to (becoming a) Springbok has certainly not been an easy one.

“It was time-consuming, tiring, and mentally and physically draining, but that moment when you receive the news that you have achieved your Springbok badge, all those bad memories are forgotten and there is a flurry of good ones.”

Kiaan, who matriculated at Dr AD Lazarus Secondary, wants to study computer science at the University of Witwatersrand.

Jay Soma, the adult leader of the Surat Hindoo Scout Group, said scouting was a way of life.

“Apart from the fun and outdoor activities, scouting develops and brings out their talents into mature adults to handle the challenges of tomorrow. Attaining the ultimate Springbok award is a lifetime achievement.”

Brendon Hausberger, the Chief Scout of Scouts SA, said as a youth organisation they were cognisant of the fact that they needed to offer members relevant and effective programmes to ensure they become independent, confident, and skilled members of society.

“By incorporating hands-on leadership and life skills training throughout our activities, we use our programmes as a means to prepare young people to step up, communicate and thrive in their field of choice. We also encourage members to undertake projects which address poverty, climate change, sustainable development goals, and the HIV and Aids pandemic,” he said.

Hausberger said that planning and implementing projects allowed members to address specific needs in their direct communities and it taught them how to make a real difference.

“The Springbok Award is the highest accolade a scout can achieve before they turn 18. It recognises their ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously, while ensuring safety protocols are met, and educational objectives are achieved. Projects include a community service initiative, overnight camps, hikes, a pioneering project, etc.

“I congratulate the five scouts of the Surat Hindoo Scout Group for their outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing them thrive as young adults.

“To the scouters of the group, I want to say thank you. Your determination to help young people develop into the best versions of themselves has not gone unnoticed and we are grateful for your dedication to scouting, and to the betterment and growth of your community and its young people.”

◆ For more information or to enrol your child, call Ajay Daya on 083 985 9611. The applicants will be cubs from ages 7 to 10 and scouts from 11 to 18 years old.