A Claremont scout group has only been around for just over a year, but it’s already making a name for itself.
The 1st Belvedere Scout Troop was established in April 2015, starting off with only five scouts, which quickly grew to 25 in no time, which then led to the formation of a cub pack, for younger children, with 15 members.
Troop scouter Ubayd Bapoo said a few experienced scouters decided to form the 1st Belvedere troop, whose members have already completed several training courses and notched up a number of accolades.
“We believed that the values of scouting come second to none, and this is the reason we felt we needed to open up another scout group enabling us to deliver the programme to more kids,” Mr Bapoo said.
Scouting, he said, is all about creating better citizens with good character and leadership. “We achieve this through our amazing outdoor programme using the promise and law as the foundation of all activities.” The troop reeled in its first major honours when it won its first 1st Constantiaberg District competition, called the Withenshaw Championships, in which several troops compete against each other in hiking, cycling, obstacle courses and other activities.
The Constantiaberg District has also awarded the troop a gold star, which means it meets the standards set out by the district.
“Our group was established April 2015 with the troop starting their first meeting in May 2015 and the pack in November 2015, and, in this short period, we have achieved so much growth,” Mr Bapoo said proudly.
Their accolades do not end there. One of their scouts also went on to complete a Patrol Leader Training Unit (PLTU ) course in Cape Town. The troop also religiously participates in community projects ranging from packing food parcels, helping an orphanage, running programmes for the less fortunate and many recycling projects, to name a few.
The 1st Belvedere scouts meet at their hall at 124 Belvedere Road, on Friday nights during the school term.
They also take part in competitions, and many fun outdoor activities including hiking, camping, sailing, flying and cycling.
Visit www.1stbelvederescouts.co.za or email info@1stbelvederescouts.co.za for more information.
