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From a nine-year-old Cub looking for a fun extra-mural activity to becoming the first Springbok Scout from Springs Central Air Scouts in nine years, Samuel van de Griendt’s Scouting journey has been filled with adventure, challenges, fun, service and personal growth. Now 17 and a Springbok Scout, we caught up with Samuel to reflect on a journey that began with a Pack Scouter who encouraged him to try something new.

“When I was nine years old my mom suggested that I give Cubs a try. Right from the start I loved Scouting as my Akela Tanya encouraged me to try new things, was so supportive, and so much fun. When I completed my Leaping Wolf, I was hesitant about Scouts, but she convinced me to try. I am so happy I did. Looking back, I think that the Leaping Wolf Award makes a good “bridge” to joining Scouts, because it gives you some of the knowledge and skills you need. It helps you grow your independence and self-confidence, which you need much more as a Scout,” he explains.

Independence and resilience are two traits Samuel needed to kickstart the first step of his Scouting Advancement journey “Traveller”, as it coincided with the Covid 19 lockdown. “In a way, I think that doing most of my Traveller Advancement on my own was good for my growth as a Scout, because I couldn’t wait for my Troop Scouter or my Patrol to motivate me to do badge work. It was up to me to make it happen. It’s exactly the same when you get to your Springbok Award, so I think I was well prepared to work hard and to be pro-active about the different projects I tackled.

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Once normal Scouting started again, my favourite memories were made at camp and on hikes. I think I really enjoy camping and hiking because of the physical challenge they present. You also have to work together as a Troop or Patrol to make it successful. The bonds we make at these events are something you don’t get when you just do “easy” things together. One of the toughest but most rewarding camps was the survival camp we did as Patrol Leaders. For three days we had to cook all our meals on a fire with no cooking utensils at all, and only using raw ingredients. This tested all our Scouting skills – how to start a fire, how to cook over fire, how to build a shelter, and how to create a campsite out of almost nothing. But the reward was that we did it! We worked together, we struggled together, we got dirty and sunburned together, and in the end we all enjoyed it so much! After that adventure, I never camp or hike without a knife. You can use it for so many things – taking out splinters, cut kindling to start a fire, cut rope if you need to, open cans, cut fabric to make a water filter, it’s the most versatile tool!”

SCOUTS South Africa’s Scout Advancement programme and skills development is universal for all youth members, but the way the skills are learned can differ slightly depending on whether they are land, sea or air Scouts. As an air Scout, Samuel has experienced some really unique adventures. “We once had an opportunity to camp at Rand Airport, and we slept inside an old Boeing 747! It was such a cool opportunity that I think very few people would get to experience.”

Given that he loves hiking it is no surprise that when his Springbok hike came around, he chose a challenging but epic 32-kilometre route along the Fanie Botha Trail in Mpumalanga. “Fortunately, the Fanie Botha Trail is well-marked. It was only on the second day that there were no markings for a few kilometres, and we started to wonder if we were still on the correct trail. But I knew from the route map I had planned that we were heading in the right direction, so there was no panic.  We really got to see some incredible views including beautiful waterfalls which aren’t accessible to the public at all unless you are hiking. We had to carry all our food, clothes, and cooking equipment with us, and even though it was tough, it was an incredible adventure! As a Patrol Leader it did get hard at times as you are the one who has to stay motivated and keep encouraging the others as you are all carrying heavy backpacks. You also have to be on the lookout for when someone’s struggling, or needs a water break, because guys won’t always tell you and they won’t ask for help. But it all went well. My camp was inspired by outdoor survival, and the Scouts had to build their own shelters, start their own fires, cook their own meals, and also navigate a hike at night. They also got to compete over an obstacle course, and 6 of the Scouts earned their Swimming Badges during the camp”, he says proudly.

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Service is another foundation of the Springbok Award requirements. “For my community service project, I worked with a local organisation called Ka-ttitude, that works to trap, sterilise, and feed feral cat colonies. The way a society treats animals tells you a lot about the way they treat other people. Ka-ttitude does excellent work not only protecting the cats but teaching people why it matters that we treat animals well and how these cats actually benefit our community by keeping rodent populations under control without the use of harmful pesticides. Part of my project was to raise money to help the organisation. When I handed over the money we had raised to the ladies who run Ka-ttitude, it felt so rewarding to know that it would make a difference and that more cats could be cared for because of the work we did with my Patrol.”

The fourth component of a Springbok’s journey is planning a major project and Samuel took his to new heights and themed it perfectly to his Air Scouts journey! “I planned and cooked a 4-course meal for 32 people, which was A LOT of work, but so much fun. The theme of the banquet was “Come fly with me”! The evening’s entertainment took the fun sky high with a quiz on aeronautical and Scouting general knowledge!

I have made amazing friends along the way and made memories that will last my whole lifetime. I would like to thank the fantastic Scouters at Springs Central Air Scouts who encouraged me and guided me on my Scouting journey, especially Riaan and Melissa who are also Springbok Scouts, and gave me so much support. The biggest lesson Melissa taught me is that it is better to work hard to get a task completed on time, than to look for short cuts or easy ways out, that just end up making the task longer or more difficult in the end.”

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Mom Belinda adds: “We are so proud of Samuel. He has not only earned his Springbok Scout Award, but he has also been selected for the Junior National Archery team, as well as doing Grade 12 this year. He is proof that hard work and dedication pays off!  We are also very grateful to all the Scouters and the amazing Troop at Springs Central Air Scouts for all of their support throughout Samuel’s Springbok journey.”

“My Scouting journey has been the most well-spent and rewarding time I have ever given. The knowledge and skills I have learned as a Scout will benefit me for the rest of my life,” continues Samuel. “I want other children to experience the same thing. It would almost be a waste for me not to share my knowledge, and not to grow the Scouting Movement. I can’t wait for the next phase of Scouting, where I get to give back to the Troop as an Adult Leader.”