Photo by Jonathan Webber
Dr Bronwyn Peake is currently our Chair: National Cub Programme. What initially started as supporting her son’s Scouting adventure, turned into a life-changing journey of her own. In this personal reflection, Bronwyn shares how a simple decision to support her son’s Cub Pack evolved into a decade-long commitment to youth development. Her story highlights the powerful impact of the Cub programme and the role it plays in nurturing confident, capable young people across South Africa.
“My journey in Scouting began over a decade ago, not in uniform, but as a parent. Initially, my son joined Scouting as a Cub, and I found myself spending more time at the Scout Hall during Pack meetings. I started helping with activity bases and learnt more about the programme the longer I stayed. I was made to feel so welcome by the Pack Scouter at the time and realised that I could choose to be part of a community of people who were fun and interesting, while ensuring the Cubs in their care were taught valuable skills and life lessons,” she explains.
“The decision to step into uniform changed everything. At first, I stayed to see my son achieve his Springbok Award – this is the highest award a youth under 17 can achieve in Scouting. When he achieved it, I was faced with the decision of leaving or continuing. I chose to continue due to my belief in the enormous good that the Cub programme has to offer our children as well as being part of the strong community of friends and leaders who work tirelessly to create safe, meaningful spaces for children to grow.”
Over the years, there have been countless memorable moments, but one stands out in particular. “One morning I was doing a river clean-up with my Pack. I was an Akela at the time. When seeing the amount of litter along the river one of my younger Cubs questioned how we could make a difference because there were so few of us and such a large amount of litter. After a few hours of hard work, we looked back to see how much litter we had collected and the difference was incredible. The Cub was so proud of what we had achieved that morning. When we had finished, I reminded him that you can make a huge difference no matter how small you are. That moment captures so much of what Scouting is about.
When I think about opportunities that children have today, I believe, now more than ever, that our edge is that our Cub programme is play-based and does not rely on technology. Our Cubs (children aged 7-10) are out in nature having loads of fun while, at the same time, learning how to communicate with others in a respectful and responsible manner while being presented with the opportunity to learn essential critical problem-solving skills.”
Bronwyn’s dedication to youth development does not stop with Scouting. Professionally, she has spent her life working with children and young people as a teacher, therapist, and lecturer. “As an educator, I can say with confidence that few programmes available to our youth have the variety and depth that Scouting offers. The programme is structured in a way that challenges the Meerkats, Cubs, Scouts and Rovers to complete activities that are age-appropriate while challenging them enough to hold their interest and encourage them to achieve their best at each level. The Scouting programme is positive, inclusive and does not place undue pressure on the child to achieve unrealistic expectations. It is fun and the volunteers are supportive of each child to progress in a safe and fun environment.
Photo by Richard Steinhofel
People often ask how I balance being a mom, a full-time therapist and lecturer, completing my doctorate, and volunteering for Scouting. The truth is, SCOUTS South Africa makes it amazingly easy for me to volunteer while looking after my family and working. The structures that are in place are supportive and all the information I need is easily accessible. I have learnt the value of teamwork, and one never has to do anything alone. We have a fantastic network of adult leaders at every level of Scouting across the country that help to make the Scouting experience magical for all our young people. I love my time spent with the volunteers and with the Cubs. The secret is enjoying what I do in all aspects of my life.”
As the Chair: National Cub Programme, Bronwyn works together with a team of regional volunteers in each province to ensure that our Cubs get the best Cub experience possible. Together they ensure that the adult leaders receive the support they need to implement the programmes and that the content thereof remains relevant within our current needs.
“My primary goal is to strengthen and future-proof the National Cub Programme while remaining true to the values and principles of Scouting. I would like to support the delivery of a programme that is accessible, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and relevant to the diverse contexts in which our children live across South Africa. My goal is to support leaders through clear guidance, practical resources, and consistent national standards, while respecting local flexibility. I also aim to strengthen progression and promote the programme so that Cubs experience a joyful, purposeful journey that prepares them well for their next Scouting chapters while building character, resilience, service, and a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.
Of course, this is not something that can be achieved alone. Scouting members play a critical role by engaging openly and honestly, sharing feedback, challenges, accomplishments, and good practices from their Packs. We can also build the programme together when Packs run the National Challenge and complete the Pack Star Awards as that feedback supports the implementation of our programme, helps us understand local realities and enables us to adapt the programmes where needed. Seasoned Adult leaders can invest in mentoring and supporting new volunteers and adult leaders in the correct running of a Cub Pack meeting to build confidence in the programme as well as sustainability of the Pack. Ultimately, is also up to us as Scouting members to uphold the values of inclusivity, teamwork, and service that lie at the heart of Scouting, and model these consistently for our Cubs. By working together, listening to one another, and remaining focused on what is best for our children, we can ensure that the Cub programme continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Having been in Scouting for so many years, Bronwyn is well-known in Gauteng Scouting. But what is the one thing that many people in Scouting don’t know about her? “I am very much landlocked in Gauteng, but my happy place is on the beach and in the sea. I love everything about coastal living and would love to live by the seaside,” she says with a grin.