For Jane Maarman, Scouting has been more than just an activity. It’s been an opportunity to bond with her family, while learning to lead, serve, and grow. As the very first Springbok Scout from 1st Isago Scout Group, Jane’s achievement marks a significant milestone not only in her own life but also in the history of her Scout Group.
“I joined 1st Isago when I was seven years old as a Cub. I was inspired by my brother Mojalefa who was a Scout already. Looking back, my very first Scout camp stands out because I didn’t know anything at the time. It was the camp where I learned survival skills and started discovering what Scouting was really about. Another camp that had a big impact on me was my First Class camp, just before I started my Springbok level. It taught me a lot because I had to deal with the whole Troop. There were moments when it made me want to give up. But what matters is that I didn’t give up. That camp taught me patience on a whole new level! Learning to work with a large number of people was a tough challenge that I overcame through my willingness to help my fellow Scouts and support my members whenever they needed me,” explains Jane.
“One achievement I’m particularly proud of was earning my First Aid badge. I was never interested in First Aid until I started working on the requirements. Once I did, it made me feel like a doctor! Scouting has also taught me practical skills that I use daily. It taught me how to cook, and now my family gets to enjoy delicious meals every day. Scouting also taught me confidence. Before Scouts, I couldn’t give speeches. Now, I’m the best there is,” she laughs. “Another lesson from my Scout Leaders that has stayed with me throughout my journey is “comply and complain later.”. This expression had a huge impact on my life. It taught me to do my tasks on time and remain disciplined. But best believe, after the task is complete, I complain!”
Recently, Jane became the first Springbok Scout for the 1st Isago Scout Group. “When I heard that I had achieved my Springbok Award, I felt very proud and excited! It made me happy because it showed that my hard work, commitment, and efforts had been noticed. I also felt deeply thankful for all the support and guidance I received along the way. Completing the Springbok requirements was demanding, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she says proudly.
“My 30km hike was one of my most memorable and challenging adventures. While the distance was significant, the biggest challenge was hiking through an area where there were wild animals walking amongst us. At times, the animals would just stare at us, and the fear was immense. There were moments when I felt like quitting. However, by encouraging one another and overcoming our fears together as a team, the challenge became both meaningful and memorable. During my Springbok camp, I learned how to work effectively with a large group of people, learned critical communication skills and experienced the importance of cooperation and support to reach a collective goal. My community service project then allowed me to give back to the environment that helped raise me. I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility in helping my community because Scouting has taught me that serving others with respect is a core pillar of my character. I believe that completing the Springbok Award was a catalyst for my personal growth as it required perseverance, discipline, and resilience. By completing the requirements before turning 18, I proved to myself that I could overcome daunting challenges, meet deadlines, and achieve ambitious goals. I’m also grateful to my parents for keeping me motivated when I felt overwhelmed and for helping me take things one step at a time.”
When asked whether Scouting is important for young people and how it shaped her personally, there is no doubt in her mind. “Many young people in my community face pressure and stress that can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Some lack guidance or motivation, making it difficult to see their own potential or persevere through challenges. I believe many young people struggle with finding the discipline and focus needed to overcome obstacles and reach their goals. Scouting helps young people navigate these challenges by teaching discipline, leadership, and the importance of being prepared. Through the Patrol System and guidance from mentors, young people discover their strengths, build friendships, and develop the resilience needed to face real-life situations with integrity and responsibility. For me, 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. One way of learning this was through our Patrol System as it allows you to work with a group of people and get to know each other. You learn from one another, learn from your mentors, develop leadership skills, and become comfortable working in a team. I really think that it helps young people grow because they gain support, friendship, and opportunities to develop new skills.”
For Jane, Scouting is a family tradition rather than an extracurricular activity. “Growing up in a Scouting family has been an integral part of my life. My brother, Mojalefa Maarman, currently serves as the Regional Team Coordinator for Rovers, and his commitment has inspired me deeply. He always attends activities, completes his tasks, and never lets an opportunity pass him by! My father, Lucky Maarman, serves as the Regional Commissioner for the Northern Cape. He consistently pushed me to tackle difficult challenges and always believed in my potential, which helped me believe in myself. Because of them, Scouting became a shared family journey filled with support, encouragement, and motivation.”
After her Scouting journey as a youth, Jane is ready for life! “I currently attend a technical high school and plan to study engineering when I graduate. Scouting has prepared me for life after school by giving me a strong foundation of discipline, responsibility, and confidence. My Scouting journey empowered me to discover my true potential, believe in myself, build lifelong connections, and embrace a life of service and responsibility. I hope to continue giving back to Scouting by mentoring younger Scouts, encouraging them, and helping them create positive memories throughout their own journeys.”