Air scouts hit the ground running

During the first three months of the year, the Fourth Benoni Air Scout Group, based in Morehill, has been hard at work honing their skills and earning a wide range of badges.

February got off to a cracking start for the group as it successfully welcomed five new Scouts to its ranks.

With the annual inter-troop swimming gala looming, the Scouts enjoyed a welcome reprieve from the sweltering February heat wave as they headed to the Benoni Northerns Swimming Pool to prepare.

“We encouraged the Scouts to use the opportunity to complete their swimming scout craft badge, which saw them learning various swimming styles, rescuing a drowning victim as well as survival skills in the event of going overboard,” said Greg Kessel, troop leader.

“For some of our Scouts this was their first time swimming and we are proud to say that they are now all capable swimmers. The successful training sessions further resulted in Fourth Benoni placing fifth at the gala.”

Soon the members traded their swimming trunks for hiking boots as they set off on a three-day, 20km hike at the Ribbokkloof Reserve.

The excursion was hosted by the First Middleburg Scout Group and formed part of a first class hike which is part of the third highest advancement level a Scout can achieve.

“Before the hike the Scout selected to take the lead must plan every aspect of the excursion including budget, food, route and shelter,” said Kessel.

“By taking on this responsibility the Scout learns valuable life skills about the role of diligent leadership and fine planning.

“They further had the opportunity to draw on their survival skills such as cooking on open fire and using the stars to navigate.”

In March the troop launched back in its aviation foundation setting off to Rand Airport, in Germiston, where Scouts and Cubs were treated to various aeronautical talks, presentations and demonstrations by aviation professionals.

Partnering with Spring Central Air Scouts, who are the only other Air Scouts in the East Rand District, the dapper troops were enthralled by a demonstration by The Johannesburg Flying School and U-Fly Training Academy, who gave them an insight into what it takes to become a pilot.

“This formed part of the participants’ aviation skills scout craft badge and aircraft cub badge,” said Kessel.

“A presentation by Icarus Skydiving School ignited the thrill of soaring through the clouds among both the Scouts and Cubs.”

The day’s adventure concluded when the troop visited Rocket Helicopter Emergency Medical Services where they learned about a career as a paramedic thus, sparking interest in following in these professionals’ footsteps.

Kontiki
Ending the term off, the Scouts hosted a weekend-long camp-out on their premises with troops jumping into action to complete their entries in the campsite building competition, which had to feature a dining room table, washbasins, washing line and flag pole.

“This was all done using only ropes and poles,” said Kessel.

“They further completed building a raft, in preparation for the annual Kontiki, that will be taking place at the Scout grounds at Arrowe Park, in May.”

Kessel explained that during the annual Scouting event, groups from across Gauteng are required to build a raft made up entirely of poles, ropes and oil drums.

“The groups will have 16 hours to complete the build and then will have to spend 24 hours on board the vessel, which will be floating on Homestead Dam,” he said.

“During this time Scouts who are not on the raft will compete in the campsite competition where they will have to create elaborate camps based on this year’s theme, Ship Wrecked.

“The Beaver challenge for the Cubs will also take place at the same time. We have our sights on bringing home the trophy.”

Cubs are open for kids aged between seven and 11, while children aged 11 to 18 are eligible to join the Scouts.

For more information about Fourth Benoni Air Scouts contact Devon Kessell on 064 500 4694 or Greg Kessell on 0645138706.

Alternatively, visit www.4thbenoniscoutscoza.net

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