For Discovery First Scout Andrei Pretorius, earning South Africa’s highest Scouting honour is about more than completing a series of challenging tasks. It is also an opportunity to make a difference in her community.

Andrei completed her community service on October 17, as part of her Springbok Award journey, bringing smiles to young soccer players at Cecil Payne Stadium.

She donated soccer balls to the players, along with beautifully crocheted blankets and care packages containing chocolates and healthy snacks. The goodies were packed in lunchboxes the children can reuse for school, adding a practical touch to the thoughtful gesture.

With the help of fellow Scouts, she also served soup and sandwiches to community members.

“This is important for my Springbok Award, but it’s more important to me to serve my community and give back,” she said.

The Springbok Award is the highest achievement a Scout can attain in South Africa. To qualify, candidates must be at least 16 years old, reach the First Class Advancement Level and complete the requirements before registering for the award.

Andrei has also completed other demanding components of her journey, including leading her camp, pioneering project and hike.

She described the award as a significant challenge, explaining that only about 2% of Scouts manage to complete it.

Juggling school, sports and the requirements of the award was not always easy, but she said the experience taught her valuable life skills.

Through the process, she developed her leadership and project management abilities, learned to work under pressure and improved her time management.

These are skills she hopes to carry into her future, making the Springbok Award not only a personal achievement but also a journey of growth and service.