1st German Scout Group teaches life skills

The 1st German Scouts Group based in Parktown has been in existence for about 60 years with Thomas Helmrich as Scout leader since 1996.

He said, “The youth must join Scouts as they can learn valuable life and leadership skills and, in turn, empower themselves for the future.

“When people think Scouts, they think of the stereotypical Scouts, which is all about badges and helping grannies cross the road. That is not what Scouts is about. It is about leadership, life skills, learning first aid, adventure, expanding social groups, creating determination and more.”

He added that there is a bigger picture to Scouts and his group is part of Scouts South Africa, the biggest youth organisation in the country with more than 308 000 children, youths, and adults participating nationwide.

According to Helmrich, Scout groups are non-profit organisations.

A child can join them from the age of seven and will be known as a Cub and will be taught accordingly. From the age of 11, they are known as a Scout and learn different things. At the age of 18, they become a Scouter, which is an adult leader.

“Scouting changes lives and helps children and young adults to reach their full potential. Leadership abilities, teamwork, self-motivation, commitment, perseverance, environmental and cultural awareness and strong values are just a few of the life skills Scout members acquire whilst having fun and learning by doing.”

He explained that becoming a Scout is a great activity for children as there are meetings once a week and competitions, as well as advancement levels which Scouts can aspire to achieve. Advancement levels include pathfinder, adventure, first class, explorer and Springbok, which according to him one in 150 Scouts attain.

The 1st German Scouts group will compete in one of the biggest Scouting events, the annual Kontiki Competition, in May.

During the competition, the Scouts have to build a model of a raft and thereafter build the actual raft on which six to eight members have to stay for about 24 hours. “This will help them physically as well as mentally while building the raft.”

Details: Thomas Helmrich 072 048 6576.