For Eastern Cape South Regional Young Leaders Representative Jarryd Main, Scouting has been a journey of growth, adventure and leadership. From joining as a Cub and becoming 2nd Gonubie Sea Scouts’ first Springbok Scout, to representing young people at Regional level, and enabling the recognition of volunteers as a member of the National Awards Committee. Scouting has enabled him to achieve goals he never thought would be in his grasp.

“My Scouting journey began at 1st Cambridge Scout Group as a Cub. Later, when 2nd Gonubie Sea Scouts was re-established in 2017, I joined the new Group and flourished as a Patrol Leader before becoming the Group’s first Springbok Scout.

Looking back on my time in Scouting, choosing a favourite memory is probably one of the hardest questions one could ask. Even the toughest and worst memories have become stories that I find joy in and laugh about today.  However, one experience stands above the rest: the 2nd Gonubie Tour through the Garden Route, planned entirely by our Court of Honour. This is where the true Scouting spirit showed up as we met Scouting brothers and sisters from multiple Troops across the Eastern and Western Cape. The tour taught me that no matter where we come from, no matter what Scout Troop we belong to, we all follow and abide by our Scout Law and Promise.

Another unforgettable memory was the very first Kontiki competition I ever attended outside of my District. For my fellow Patrol members and I, it wasn’t about winning. It was about having fun and meeting as many people as we could! Even if our raft was questionable…, the friendships that grew from that single event led to connections with young leaders across multiple provinces. To this day, we still share ideas and learn from one another. Finally, who doesn’t like those early morning Boot Camp starts where we had to walk across a balance beam over a freezing cold pool! I’m sure I saw an ice block forming… In all my memories, I can be grateful to my group of friends that I am proud to call my brothers and sisters. They have supported me and laughed with me through thick and thin and every Scouting activity. They definitely won’t be speaking at my wedding though — imagine the nerves my mom would have if they started sharing those Scouting stories!”

Scouting is a Movement for all, designed around the empowerment of young individuals.

As a Sea Scout, being involved in water-based activities has taught him valuable lessons. “The tide, the weather — anything may change within a split second. Teamwork, leadership and resilience are key to ensuring safety and proper navigation through challenges. When everything is going wrong, that is the ultimate test. One time, a boat we were on capsized in a wave out at sea. In that moment, true leadership and delegation came into play. Situations like that remind you why preparation, teamwork and trust are so important. Also, the one thing I never go on a water activity without is my life jacket and a whistle. People often say, “I know how to swim,” but can you swim unconscious?” As for something that has accidentally gone overboard? “I was listening to music when suddenly it went quiet. My speaker was swimming with SpongeBob under the sea!”

Throughout his eventful Scouting adventures, Jarryd had one ultimate goal in sight. “Ever since my first Cub meeting, I had one goal in mind: achieving my Springbok Scout Award. My grandpa, a Queen’s Scout, was one of the most influential figures in my Scouting journey. Listening to his stories around a braai inspired me to reach for the stars and dream big. Achieving the Springbok Award was a great honour. Countless hours of planning, doing uncomfortable tasks, early mornings and late nights dedicated to the Scout Movement helped shape me into the person that I am today. My Springbok journey was far from easy. In fact, I even got lost on my Springbok hike. However, with my Scouting knowledge and a strong group of peers hiking with me, we made the feeling of impossible feel possible.  My Springbok represents the Troop that guided me, my friends that encouraged me, my family that supported me and the confidence that I had to complete each challenge. It meant that the young Cub who had a dream and determination, supported by a Movement that wants to see us succeed, not only had his dream come true, but realised that anybody who sets their mind on something can achieve it.”

Eastern Cape South RC Neil O’Brien and Jarryd

Today, Jarryd serves the Eastern Cape South as the Regional Young Leaders Representative. “Scouting is a Movement for all, designed around the empowerment of young individuals. I was inspired to take on this role to represent the voices of young people regarding Scouting matters that affect them. After all, the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

What I enjoy most about the role is knowing that when young people are consistently trying to improve Scouting for everyone, there will always be a love for the Movement. You’re not going to try and improve something that you don’t care about. One of my main goals is to ensure that every young person’s voice is heard. I want to have a platform where youth can easily share their ideas and concerns across the Region. It’s very hard to build a future for the youth, but I would like to try my best to build our youth for the future.”

Earlier this year Jarryd spearheaded the first Eastern Cape South Youth Forum where young leaders came together to learn, share ideas and have fun. “Young people need to feel heard, most importantly. We are a generation consumed by social media and technology. Taking a step back, being outdoors, and spending time with Scouts from every District in the Region allowed the Scouts to interact and learn from each other. One of the biggest highlights was seeing Scouts share ideas about what works and doesn’t work in their Troops and how they have overcome different challenges. Activities such as 4×4 trails, canoeing and obstacle courses were first-time experiences for many Scouts. Most rewarding of all was watching Scouts arrive quiet and reserved and leave on fire about the Scout Movement, passionate because their voices had been heard and excited by the friendships they had made.”

For Jarryd one truth is clear: “Many people think that the most valuable Scouting skills are practical skills such as knotting, astronomy etc. However, the most valuable Scouting skills are time-management, organisation and communication. I encourage young people to embrace Scouting as you will never know your true capabilities if you’re afraid of the unknown. Failure makes room for growth and success makes room for future generations.”