On the 13th of March we celebrate Africa Scout Day. In our Scouting Movement we have thousands of people that volunteer their services in many different roles to empower children and youth! We asked some of our regional commissioners who their Scouting Heroes are?
Northern Cape Regional Commissioner Nolan van der Merwe joined the Scouting Movement in Kimberly in 1986. As a Scout with St Francis Scout Group he enjoyed the challenge of the Patrol Leaders Training Camp and the Cederberg Senior Scout Adventure. As an adult he also ventured to Sweden for the World Scout Jamboree in 2011. “I am the man I am today because of the values, the promise and laws of the Scouting Movement. My leadership, team spirit and problem solving abilities are very relevant in my current career.”
“I have a few Scouting Heroes, Mr Quinton Alexander, a Troop leader and later Scouter when I was still a Scout myself. He is also my Scout Group Leader, mentor and friend. Also Mr John Cedani, Leader Trainer is a remarkable man. I`ve gained a lot from him and continue to do so. I was also blessed to have served with the late Joseph Letimela and Edward (Eddie) Orton. Without these three dedicated, committed and faithful members, Scouting in Kimberley could easily have just been a story we would have read about in the history books. “
Mr Steve Camp, Regional Commissioner in KwaZulu-Natal also joined the Scouting Movement as a young boy with 1st Hillcrest. After his first sunrise on top of the Amphitheatre in the Drakensberg, his adventurous heart was ignited.“Having reached the summit of four of the world`s highest continental peaks, and having run a marathon on all seven continents, including Antarctica. I have a kindred spirit with our Chief Scout who is not only a remarkable person, but a true adventurer. Scouting is after all about adventure and we are extremely fortunate to have Sibusiso Vilane to lead us.”
In the Western Cape Mr Paddy Milner joined the Scouting Movement in 1961. After all these years he is still as excited and dedicated as he was then “I firmly believe the 3 aims of developing Character, Citizenship and Healthy mind and body are fundamental to society and if we can do that to 100’s of youth we have created a better planet. I had a fantastic time as a Cub and a Scout and now I enjoy the Adult Training and support side and always try to have leave people feeling positive and believing in themselves. That energises me.”
Paddy has quite a few Scouting heroes “The Pack and Troop Scouters are those I admire most in Scouting. They give so much in terms of time, talent and even treasure to so many children who really need and benefit from the role models, the fun programs and the experiences. The memories they are creating will remain with them all their lives and be passed on to their own children and families. The gearing effect of this is tremendous!”
Who is your Scouting Hero?
Nominate them now by clicking here!
