“In the year 2012 one of my cousins invited me to a Thabo Mofutsanyana Scouts camp in Bethlehem. I really enjoyed it, and it felt like home. I decided to join this Movement of Scouting because of the warmth and sense of belonging I received”, says 1st Qwaqwa Troop Scouter Lebohang Tsiu.

“In SCOUTS South Africa, you get to enjoy your childhood, gain many skills and embrace your talents in many ways. What I love most in Scouting is hiking and camping because it is where you get to learn a lot of things and socialise with others. I remember this other time on a hike, it was my first time walking such a long distance – about 10km – only to find out that once we arrived there, we had to make a fire and cook. That was the best experience because I didn’t even know how to make a fire, and I didn’t know that you can actually make scones without an oven! We also collected water from the trees using plastic bags! One of the biggest lessons I have learned in Scouting is to have Ubuntu – humanity to others! I also learned about personal responsibility, citizenship, and that knots are very useful in our daily lives.”

When it comes to our Scout values, our Promise and Law, Lebo smiles and says, “Implementing the Scout values, Promise and Law is very important as they have a great impact on children’s lives. Children get to gain great leaderships skills and become good citizens, and most importantly, they have morals at all times.

Some of the most challenging activities in Scouting are some of the basic first aid programmes because they need a lot of time and a person with experience to run them. We always make sure that we get the help we need with regards to that from nurses or paramedics. In order for children to understand we makes scenarios with them because it is easier to learn by doing than just by listening.

At first, I thought Scouting is all about fun, but once you are part of it, you can see that this is not just any Movement, it is Movement that that can actually develop a person in many ways physically, emotionally and intellectually. I am currently studying BEd Foundation Phase through UNISA and am qualified in Early Childhood Development and certified in inclusive education. I am not working at the moment but am looking for a job so that I can provide for my family. In the meantime, I give back to Scouting as an adult volunteer”, she continues.

We asked Lebo what her favourite thing is about being an adult volunteer. “The best thing about being an adult volunteer is that you get to obtain great adulthood skills. In Scouting you meet many children with many personalities and that come from different backgrounds. As a parent you must know all your children’s needs and wants and that’s where you gain some adulthood skills. You can actually build yourself and children for a brighter future and success. If you are around Scouts, you forget that you have problems. I now have confidence, and I am always respected where ever I am because I implement the Scout Law and the Promise. Scouting is actually a rehab for me, I’d rather go out with my Scouts family than some of my friends”, she laughs.

“It is very important to take a lead in Scouting because it prepares you for the future! The skills you learn from Scouting can get you promoted at work or can make it easier for you to become your own boss.  I want us to be recognised in high places, even oversees.

It is my wish to see SCOUTS South Africa’s programmes being part of the curriculum in schools. It would be very nice to have Scouts being recognised by the department of education like other NGOs, and I think it would also create jobs for us. I joined Scouts as a child, and now my daughter is a member of SCOUTS South Africa too! She always says, “Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be like you”.

Our Free State Young Leader’s Representative Katleho Mokoena is one of the people in SCOUTS South Africa that inspires me to achieve more in Scouting. I used to be a laughing stock because of wrong decisions I took as a child, but Scouting changed my life in a way that I can’t even explain. All I can say is that I am a better person today because of Scouts, and one day I wish to be in another country and learn about other cultures…. I always tell everyone that when I die, my funeral will be held by Scouts. You see, once a Scout, always a Scout!”