Springs teen earns prestigious Springbok Scout Award
A Springs teenager has reached a major milestone after years of dedication to Scouting.
Seventeen-year-old Samuel van de Griendt of the Springs Central Air Scouts made family and fellow scouts proud when he was recently awarded his Springbok Scout Award.
Samuel is only the 28th Springbok Scout from Springs Central, and the first to earn this award in nine years.
He described his scouting journey as a rewarding experience.
“I have loved every part of my scouting journey, from joining Cubs at the age of nine, earning my Leaping Wolf in 2019, joining Scouts just before lockdown in 2020 and having to do most of my Traveler online, to eventually earning my Springbok Scout Award at the age of 17,” he said.
He reflected on the friendships he has formed and the experiences he has shared at camps and hikes.
“I have made amazing friends along the way, and made memories that will last my whole lifetime. The one that stands out the most is my Springbok Expedition, where I led a patrol of four Scouts on a three-day 32km hike on the Fanie Botha trail in Mpumalanga.
“We had to carry all of our food, clothes and cooking equipment with us, and even though it was tough, it was an incredible adventure,” he said.
He thanked the scouters at Springs Central who encouraged and guided him on his scouting journey.
“I want to especially thank Riaan and Melissa, who are also Springbok Scouts and gave me so much support. I can’t wait for the next phase of Scouting, where I get to give back to the troop as an adult Scouter,” Samuel said.
Fellow Scout, Belinda van de Griendt said, “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 pay off!
“We are also very grateful to all of the Scouters and the amazing troop at Springs Central Air Scouts for all of their support throughout Samuel’s Springbok journey.”
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