Scouts South Africa

24/06/2026

Celebrating diversity, building understanding ⚜🌍

South Africa's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Through the Diversity Awareness Badge, SCOUTS South Africa encourages members to learn about different cultures, experiences and perspectives while developing empathy, respect and understanding. 💜🇿🇦

From Cubs discovering that everyone has something unique to contribute, to Scouts, Rovers and Adults exploring inclusion, challenging stereotypes and acting in their communities, the badge helps members build the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.

🌍⚜ Most importantly, it reminds us that our differences are not barriers but opportunities to learn, grow and strengthen our communities.

👉Read more about how the Diversity Awareness Badge helps young people become champions of inclusion and belonging: https://www.scouts.org.za/2026/06/24/celebrate-diversity-build-understanding/

📸Dawn Ledbitter, Africa Scout Day

23/06/2026

⚜ What makes Scouting different?

Camping, hiking, adventure and community service are all part of our Scout programme, but at the heart of how young people learn and grow in Scouting is something called the Patrol System.💜⚜

In a Patrol, Scouts work together in small teams where they learn to lead, solve problems, make decisions, support one another and take responsibility. It is where friendships are formed, confidence is built and leadership begins.

As Lord Baden-Powell said: "The Patrol System is not one method in which Scouting can be carried on. It is the only method."💯

👉In our latest blog, SCOUTS SA's Chair National Scout Programme Theo Rijs explores why the Patrol System remains the foundation of Scouting and how small teams continue to teach big life lessons through adventure, teamwork and shared experiences. 🔗Read more here: https://www.scouts.org.za/2026/06/23/small-teams-big-lessons-patrol-system/

📸Howling Hound Photography & Facebook 3rd Pinelands

22/06/2026

Join SCOUTS SA's Adult Support team this Wednesday and find out how the team guides and supports adult leaders throughout their Scouting journey, from onboarding and training to ongoing development and support. 💜⚜

We'll also introduce SCOUTS South Africa’s Adult Awards programme, and explain how volunteers can be nominated and recognised for their outstanding service and contribution to Scouting. 🎖

Everyone is welcome, but this session will be especially valuable for District Commissioners and Scout Group Leaders.

👉 Find the Teams-link to join here: https://www.scouts.org.za/2026/06/11/connect-at-our-2026-campfire-chats/

21/06/2026

🌍⚜ SCOUTS SA Content Creator Darren Joubert asked Scouts why Scouting continues to matter in a changing world. 🎙️

Hear it from the Scouts how independence, teamwork, and getting out there is vital for young people. Do you agree? 👇 Let us know in the comments below!

🎥 Part 3 of 4

21/06/2026

20/06/2026

⚜️ Making history at 1st Isago Scout Group!

Congratulations to Jane Maarman on becoming the very first Springbok Scout of the 1st Isago Scout Group in the Northern Cape Region.👏💜

Jane's journey began at the age of 7 when she joined as a Cub, inspired by her older brother. After years of adventure, service, leadership and perseverance, she has now achieved Scouting's highest youth award.

The journey to Springbok was not easy. She completed a challenging 30km hike, learned to work with large groups, balanced demanding requirements before turning 18 and pushed herself beyond what she thought was possible. When she heard that she had earned her Springbok Award, her reaction said it all: "I felt very proud and excited. It made me happy because it showed that my hard work, commitment and efforts had been noticed."

Jane believes Scouting helped shape her into the person she is today. "Scouting has been a transformative experience that shaped me into a disciplined, responsible and confident individual. It taught me how to push myself, stay focused and never give up when facing challenges."

As the first Springbok Scout from 1st Isago Scout Group, her journey reminds us that with determination, support and belief in ourselves, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.⚜️💜

👏👣 Well done, Jane. You have made history and inspired the next generation of Scouts to follow in your footsteps.

👉Read her inspiring story on our blog here: https://www.scouts.org.za/2026/06/20/jane-maarman-springbok-scout/

📸 supplied by Lucky Maarman

19/06/2026

🌍⚜ Applications are now open to join the Pinkies team at Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), the World Scout Centre nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. 🌄⚜

Over the years, several SCOUTS South Africa members have taken up this opportunity, returning home with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories and a global Scouting perspective. From welcoming Scouts from around the world to sharing their skills, leading activities and embracing new adventures, their time at KISC has been a life-changing experience.

Whether you're looking for a 3-month adventure as Winter Short-Term Staff or a longer commitment as Long-Term Staff, this is your chance to:

✅Meet Scouts from across the globe
✅Develop leadership and life skills
✅Experience international Scouting at its best
✅Challenge yourself through service and adventure
✅Create memories that will last a lifetime

🌍⚜ If you're passionate about Scouting, are an SD registered Rover or Adult Volunteer of SCOUTS SA, and ready to broaden your horizons, we encourage you to apply. 👉 Apply now: https://www.kisc.ch/job-vacancies

Have you volunteered at KISC before? Share your experience in the comments and inspire the next generation of South African Pinkies! 👇

📸 KISC page
⚜️ Kandersteg International Scout Centre

19/06/2026

🌈⚜️ Calling all Meerkat Den Scouters, Assistant Den Scouters and Den Helpers!

Somewhere over the rainbow, a Meerkat adventure is waiting...

The virtual National Meerkat Mischief is back on 8 August 2026 and this year's theme is RAINBOW! 🌈

Expect colourful ideas, new friendships, creative programme activities and all the fun that comes from bringing passionate Meerkat leaders together.

Whether you're a seasoned Meerkat leader or new to the adventure, Meerkat Mischief is an opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, share best practices, discover new programme ideas and celebrate the mischief of the Meerkat branch together.

👉So grab your brightest colours, start planning your rainbow-themed outfit and save the date! 🌈

👀Watch this space for more information coming soon!

19/06/2026

Looking for the latest Star Awards Guidelines and Self-Assessment forms? Find the Star Awards for your Unit under "Members" on the SCOUTS SA National website here: https://www.scouts.org.za/star-awards-recognition/

The Star Awards Recognition Programme is an important tool that helps recognise and celebrate Scout Groups that are meeting the core aims of SCOUTS South Africa, while also supporting continuous growth and development across our Branches.

By completing the Star Awards Self-Assessment, Groups can monitor where support may be needed, and ensure a well-rounded Scouting experience for every young person.

18/06/2026

When devastating storms swept across the Southern Cape and Western Cape last month, communities were left facing flooding, damaged infrastructure, power outages, food insecurity, and disrupted water supplies.

In Sedgefield, Scouts from 1st Sedgefield Scout Group stepped up to help. In just a few days, the Scouts collected donations and assembled 75 "Jars of Hope" for families affected by the severe weather. Each jar providing a warm and nutritious meal for a family of four. The Scouts delivered their jars to the Masithandane Community Support Centre.

As Assistant Troop Scouter Rocket shared: "These 75 jars helped provide approximately 300 meals to people in the community, a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Together, we didn't just fill jars with ingredients. We filled them with hope."

More than just a food aid project, the initiative gave young people the opportunity to live the Scout Promise through service, compassion, and community action.

👉Read full story here: https://www.scouts.org.za/2026/06/18/1st-sedgefield-scouts-jars-of-hope/

🙏With thanks to Grant Colloty, 1st Sedgefield Scout Group Leader
📸Grant Colloty
Western Cape Scouts 1st Sedgefield Scout Group