Written by Caroline Boshoff, Youth Influencer Eastern Cape South
Congratulations to the Eastern Cape South Young Leaders Representative Jarryd Main from 2nd Gonubie Sea Scouts for achieving the esteemed Springbok Award! This distinguished recognition signifies dedication, perseverance, and exceptional contributions to SCOUTS South Africa. Jarryd’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as he is the first ever Springbok Scout for the 2nd Gonubie Sea Scout Group!
Jarryd’s Scouting adventure began at 1st Cambridge Scout Group. When 2nd Gonubie Scouts was re-established in 2017, he joined the new Group and flourished alongside his peers, forming strong bonds and taking on various leadership roles. His contributions to 2nd Gonubie were instrumental. As the Group started afresh, Jarryd’s Scout Advancements became “firsts” for the new Troop, paving the way for exciting new experiences for younger Scouts. These included overnight hikes, community service projects, and elaborate banquets.
Jarryd held various leadership positions, including Patrol Leader for four years, CoH Chairman/Troop Leader for three years, and he currently serves as the Regional Young Leaders Representative for the Eastern Cape South Region. Through these roles, he honed his organisational, planning, and communication skills, all of which proved essential in his leadership journey.
“Scouting isn’t without its hurdles”, says Jarryd. “Especially as Patrol Leader when you are challenged to delegate tasks effectively. This experience was invaluable, teaching me to identify strengths and weaknesses within my Patrol, fostering a well-functioning team.”
Jarryd undertook three impactful Springbok projects that not only showcased his initiative, but also his resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. ” My service project at Pet Pals, an animal sanctuary, showcased my passion for animals. Along with fellow Scouts, we volunteered our weekends to improve the animals’ living conditions.” Creativity came into play with his Springbok banquet, featuring a three-course meal symbolising the cooking and planning skills he acquired along his Scouting journey. ” To host my banquet, I negotiated with a local guest house, planned the theme, and then we needed to tackle unexpected oven troubles and resorted to alternative cooking methods”, he explains. “My final project was a challenging hike in Horseshoe Valley Private Game Reserve. We experienced the beauty of nature and the importance of teamwork, especially when faced with unexpected weather conditions!”
“Scouting has significantly shaped me as a person. Especially the importance of teamwork, active listening, and open communication in achieving effective solutions. I now understand the value of learning from mistakes and celebrate the collective strength of a team.”
Jarryd embodied the Scout Law and Promise throughout his Scouting endeavors. He instilled teamwork and a positive attitude in his Patrol and Troop, emphasising the importance of perseverance through challenges, a quality exemplified by the motto “A scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.”
Jarryd’s passion for Scouting extends to the future. He aspires to become a Scouter or Scout Group Leader, eventually aiming for a position on the National Scouting team to contribute to the Movement’s growth. Currently, he actively shares his knowledge and skills by assisting Patrol Leaders and Troop Scouters within his Group.
His Scouting journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring Scouts. ” I encourage Scouts to seek clarity when unsure, to embrace diverse perspectives to find optimal solutions, and to see the value of teamwork. Mistakes are inevitable, but serve as stepping stones for learning and growth.”
Congratulations once again to Jarryd on this remarkable achievement!