Written by Kiaan Patel

This youth month we are focusing on the achievements of our youth members. A few months ago, Surat Hindoo Scout Kiaan Patel achieved his Springbok Award. KZN Youth Influencer Pia Ramcharitan reached out to Kiaan and here he shares his journey with us.

“I began Scouting at the age of 6, and today I’m 18 years old. That’s 12 years of my life that were invested in Scouts. During my Springbok interview I was asked, “How different would your life be if you hadn’t started Scouting?”. My answer was “I don’t know. A life without Scouting is unimaginable. I’ve been doing it for almost two – thirds of my life, sacrificing those Saturday birthday parties to go learn lifelong life skills that have made me the man that I am today. A life without Scouts is truly unimaginable as it is all I’ve ever known”.

Scouting has empowered me with the knowledge on how to be a leader, and how to act as a leader. Besides enhancing my leadership qualities, it has allowed me to enjoy the beauty of our nature, be more disciplined and respectful towards all living beings on this planet. It has also taught me the Scout Law, which I use as a guideline so that I may live a good and successful life.

Scouting is SO MUCH MORE than others perceive it to be. My friends used to think I that I went running around in a bush every Saturday, hunting for a rabbit which I would eat for supper. Their list of what Scouting could be could go on for ages, but in reality, it has helped develop my academic skills, self-confidence, and life skills. This includes my ethics, leadership skills, citizenship skills and as well as survival skills.

My journey to Springbok has certainly not been an easy one. It was time consuming, tiring, and mentally and physically draining, but that moment when you receive the news that you have achieved your Springbok Badge, all those tough memories are forgotten and there is a flurry of all the good ones!

My journey to Springbok has been a life changing journey. It has allowed me to know that I can do anything if I put my mind to it, and with hard work comes great success!”