On 18 August 2024, Scouters, Craig and Sharon from 1st Vincent Scout Group and Debbie and Charlotte from 1st Cambridge Scout Group in East London took to the road to visit St Mary’s DCC Scout Group in Makhanda. We were also lucky to have a Rover, Simon Pienaar and 2 Scouts, Paige and Zoe from 1st Vincent Scout Group as part of the team.
On arrival we were greeted by the Troop Scouter, Nosipho and 32 Scouts. After a quick meet and greet and an energised game of capture the flag, we got down to business.
The goal of the day was to help the Scouts at St Mary’s earn their very fist badge, the First Aid Scout Craft Badge and to assist Nosipho in putting a comprehensive program together in order to do this.
The Scouts were eager and thoroughly enjoyed learning how to transport an injured person and how to place someone in the recovery position among other things. With limited resources Simon was able to teach them CPR. They were able to practice compressions by making up a homemade dummy with a pillow, 2lt cooldrink bottle and plastic packet.
Our 2 scouts from 1st Vincent made up a stretcher and demonstrated to the Scouts how to use it. They also taught them some fun new Scout games to play.
The highlight of the day for all the Scouts at St Mary’s was making up their own basic personal first aid kits. A huge thank you is extended to Rotary Club of East London for making this possible. They donated R2000 towards this endeavour and because of this donation each Scout from St Mary’s was able to make up their very own first aid kit!
A huge thank you also goes to 1st Vincent Scout group for the donation of the portable flagpole. St Mary’s DCC Scout Group may now be able to conduct their ceremonies with their flag flying high.
Lastly a big thank you goes to 1st Muizenberg Scout Group for the donation of ropes for the Scouts to practice their basic knots.
All said and done, it was a great day and a good time was had by all involved.
A little time, a little effort and the spirit of Scouting can go a long way in making a difference.