I joined the Scouting Movement as a Cub in 2008. I moved up to Scouts at the beginning of 2010. At the time I was unaware of the life that lay before me.

I thought I was joining a rather lame Movement, where I would spend my weekends tying knots, practising 1st Aid and helping old ladies cross the road. So I was quite surprised when I realised what it really was.

I have spent nights on Table Mountain, slept in tents in the middle of nowhere, spent 10 days hiking through the Cedarburg Mountain range, sailed in regattas at Simon’s Town and built and slept on rafts made from poles and ropes. Later in the year I will be travelling to Japan for almost 20 days for the 23rd World Scout Jamboree. Thousands will be attending, including the King of Sweden and Bear Grylls. I’ve done all this, and I’m only 16!

I’ve learnt leadership, which in these times is more essential than ever. I’ve learnt to never give up and how to keep smiling when times get bad. I’ve made life – long friendships, met extraordinary people and visited places in Cape Town people have never heard of.

The stuff I said is only half of the kind of stuff that awaits you when you become a Scout. My life changed and became adventure. So, are you up for a life of challenge and adventure???

My Troop is 1st Fish Hoek Sea Scouts, we meet on Friday nights at our hall on Lower Recreation Road in Fish Hoek. Cubs (aged 8 – 11) meet at 17:30 – 19:00. Scouts (aged 11 – 18) meet from 19:30 – 21:30 (there’s still time to go out afterwards). To join, contact our Group Scouter Mike Miles by emailing him at mikemdts@gmail.com.

Kris Van Der Bijl
Patrol Leader 1st Fish Hoek Sea Scouts