YWP Scout attains Springbok colours
Now that Govender has received his Springbok Top Award he wants to move to the next level of Rovers.
A FIRST Yellowwood Park Scout Group member has proven his mettle in the scouting fraternity achieving his Springbok Top Award.
Nathisvaran Govender received the highest award a Scout can achieve in South Africa recently after completing the requirement for his Springbok Top Award. “It’s sort of unreal getting my Springbok Top Award. You work so hard for it. It feels a lot like matric,” said Govender.
The 18-year-old New Forest High School matriculant started Scouts in May 2009. His father and uncle were also Scouts. “I always knew I would be a Scout but I never knew I would progress to attain my Springbok colours.”
Govender registered to get his Springbok Top Award in December last year. He had to complete various tasks, which include cooking a three course meal with a theme for 20 people, complete a 39km hike on unfamiliar terrain over a minimum of two days and complete 40 hours of community service where he built a horse shelter at a horse care unit in Cato Ridge.
Now that Govender has received his Springbok Top Award he wants to move to the next level of Rovers. Govender said he received a lot of support from 1st Yellowwood Park Scout assistant scout master Keith Potgieter. “My father has also been a big support throughout my Scout career,” said Govender.
The grade 12 pupil said many people have misconceptions about Scouts. “People think it’s where boys run around in shorts. Scouts helped me a lot – I used to be shy and Scouts helped me come out of my shell. It’s helped me become who I am today. Scouts is the most fun you will have in your life,” said Govender. He adds that Scouts gives you a sense of unity, brotherhood and honour.
Besides being a dedicated Scout, Govender enjoys camping and playing the bagpipes. He calls himself a history and war fanatic. Govender wants to study law next year and specialise in maritime law.
