Last year Michael Knodt graduated from school and left his home in Germany to volunteer at the National Scout Office in Cape Town. After a year of Scouting, we chatted about the adventures had, and the lessons learned.

“Before I came to South Africa, I knew little about South Africa and SCOUTS South Africa, but since then I’ve evolved into a functioning and knowledgeable member who knows the goals, the practices, and a whole lot of Scouts and Scouters!  I feel that I’ve definitely experienced and learned a lot which was the main purpose of my year abroad!

Within the Scouting-in-Schools programme I helped with the “Future fit Friday” sessions. This is where the YeboScouters learn useful life skills like communication and how to run the programmes with their learners. My favourite part of helping the team was sharing and talking about our lives and cultures, learning to dance, and playing dominoes! These experiences taught me to be thankful for what I have because not everyone there has a loving family or is financially safe. I had some really interesting conversations with our mentor Roshaan while driving around, and I picked up some useful advice on future job interviews”, he quips. “I think the Scouting-in-Schools programme makes a huge difference in the lives of children as it provides role models and offers opportunities to learn and have fun in a safe environment. Not only the learners benefit, speaking to the YeboScouters made me realise how much they learn and upskill themselves while running the school programmes with the children.” When not out and about with the Yebo Scouters, Michael could be found assisting Yolanda in the National Scout Shop. “I really enjoyed chatting and making jokes with my colleagues, meeting new people, and seeing my Scouting friends that come in to grab something.

I feel I lived my Scout experience to the fullest in South Africa! Three days after I arrived, I staffed Gordon’s Shield, and a week later I assisted at the Patrol Leader Training Course (PLTC) in the Hawequas Adventure Centre. I also helped out at the Ultra Trail Cape Town aid station on Table Mountain which was run by SCOUTS South Africa. At the end of the year, I was a ranger, a kitchen staff and a water base staff at the Cederberg Senior Scout Adventure! I will always remember the “great heist” where we “borrowed” the Christmas tree from the Cederberg headquarters”, he says with a grin. “

I also got to know how Scout Troops work and joined the 1st Rosebank – 9th & 16th -1st Claremont Combined Troop Camp. I enjoyed playing cards with the Scouters at Troop Camp when the Scouts were sleeping already”, he continues. This year also I staffed at the Patrol Leader Training Unit(PLTU), Kon-Tiki, and Upton Shield. I also ran a successful wheelbarrow-cooking Troop meeting which was a lot of fun.”

When not in Scouting, Michael took the time to enjoy the fun that Cape Town and the Garden Route have to offer! “I played volleyball at the beach quite often, visited Addo Elephant Park and enjoyed the night life with my friends.  I also had my fair share of adventures on Table Mountain like going through the Woodhead tunnel, swimming in the dams and sleeping under a rock overhang. Since I’m into sports, I also went to a couple of Stormers’ games at the DHL stadium! I didn’t eat any crazy food but maybe one day I’ll try those fried chicken feet!

Life in Cape Town is very different to my home town. It was very confusing at first. I quickly realised that the houses here have no central heating and small gaps everywhere which meant that the temperature inside the house was always the same as outside, which was quite tough and unusual for me. Another thing I noticed was that the streetlights were always turned on, no matter if it was day or night. One time the lights in my house turned off for no reason and that was when I learned that South Africans have to recharge their electricity themselves all the time, instead of it being part of your leasing contract like in Germany. Really surprising for me was that South Africa, which is labelled as a “third world country” handles way more payments cashless than Germany does!”

So now that Michael has experienced Scouting at its best. Does he think we are making a difference in the lives of young people? “I saw Scouts learning how to plan and organise things while also becoming more confident in themselves. One thing I was super impressed by was that my friends – who are former Scouts – are very independent and successful in what they are doing. For example, some are currently starting their own businesses, taught themselves how to trade or are thriving at their studies because of their time management skills and discipline.

I can also see that change in myself because I learned how important and useful planning is. Every time I overcame a difficult task because my plan had worked, I felt more confident in myself and took on the next obstacle with less fear of failure and more effectiveness. I also experienced being in charge of something and managing people for the first time. It took me out of my comfort zone, but I feel like that was something that I will need in my future life. Lastly, I’m inspired by the people around me that lead courses as teenagers or the entrepreneurs in Scouts that are creating their dream job themselves.”

As a last word Michael just wants to thank his SA family. “Thanks to all the people that made this year unforgettable! I will miss the braais, the camps, the jokes at work, the adventures I went on with friends and how the people at Scouts warmly adopted me!”