Being able to focus, communicate, plan your time and be disciplined to achieve your goals are soft skills that Trudy Marimane acquired through SCOUTS South Africa’s youth programmes.  These skills helped her recently matriculate with a bachelor’s degree with 1 distinction in Business Studies.

Here is her Scouting story. “My Name Is Trudy Peace Marimane from Mpumalanga Bushbuckridge-Manyeleti. I’m a Scout member of the 1st Dixie Scout Group. I joined Scouting back in 2016 in Limpopo when I was doing Grade 6. I was 11 years old, In 2018 I pursued my Scouting in Mpumalanga where I also attended PLTU camp in White River. As the months went by, I grew more confident in my abilities and took on new challenges. I became a Patrol Leader, helping to plan and lead Troop activities.

Throwing myself in Scouting was the beginning of a better life, to me, Scouting wasn’t only about skills, but it was about teamwork, respect, and friendship. At that moment I knew that scouting was not just an activity, it was a way of life because it taught me the value of kindness, teamwork, and perseverance.

Scouting wasn’t just about the adventures, but also about giving back to the community. Our troop participated in numerous service projects, from cleaning up my village to helping old, aged people. Through Scouting, I discovered a sense of purpose and belonging. I learned that even small actions can make a big difference and that together we can achieve great things.

In 2024, I went to attend an International Scouts Camp in Sweden. Scouting in Sweden was so great. When we landed there, we made our way to our arrival accommodations, and then the next few days were about camping, sightseeing and obviously learning the Swedish language here and there. We visited many museums and explored the streets of Stockholm. The trip to Sweden was more than just an adventure it was a journey of discovery. Mind you, when we went to Sweden I was in Matric (Grade 12) . Everyone was so stressed that I was not going to catch up my schoolwork  when I came back  as the trip was for 2 weeks , but guess what , I did and passed my matric with an admission to a Bachelor’s degree with 1 distinction in Business Studies.

As I reflect on my Scouting experience, I’m reminded of the organization’s profound impact on my life. Scouting has been a source of inspiration, guidance and support, helping me navigate life’s complexities and uncertainties. To anyone considering joining SCOUTS South Africa, I deeply encourage you to take the leap. Scouting offers a unique and enriching experience that will challenge, motivate and empower you to become the best version of yourself.”