Written by SCOUTS SA Content Creator Caroline Boshoff

Last weekend, generations of 1st Walmer Scout Group members, from Cubs and Scouts to Rovers, Scouters, alumni, families and friends, came together to celebrate a centenary of Scouting in the Nelson Mandela Bay South community as the Group turned 100!

As people stepped through an impressive gateway built by the Group’s Scouts and Rovers, the celebratory tone was set. Guests present retraced the steps of how 1st Walmer began to where it is today through stories, memories and laughter. It was clear that for generations, Scouting changed lives, one child and one badge at a time.

Scout Group Leader Cheryl Schroder recognised the generations of volunteers and Scouts who came and went, with Scouting’s values remaining constant. “Our story began in 1926 with a spark of enthusiasm and a single Cub Pack, created when local teacher Miss ET Crooks started a Pack in a classroom at Walmer Primary. By November of that same year, the Group’s very first Scout Troop was officially underway.

A great deal has changed since 1926. The world our first Cubs knew would be almost unrecognisable to the young people walking through our doors today. But the heart of Scouting hasn’t changed. Scouting is a worldwide voluntary youth movement built around learning by doing. It’s where young people learn practical skills, independence, leadership, resilience and service to others while usually having a great deal of fun along the way. One hundred years later, 1st Walmer is still welcoming young people through its doors and still trying to make a difference in their lives.”

The celebrations included the dedication of a Garden of Remembrance. At the heart of this garden is a bench, generously donated by Barbara de Scande, and dedicated in memory of three very special people whose contributions form part of the story of 1st Walmer: Miss E.T. Crooks ‘Grey Wolf’ who started the Cub Pack in 1926, James de Scande ‘Baloo’ who held many adult leaders roles and served the Group for decades, and Patrick van Rensburg the Group’s hall and grounds keeper.

”We remember the many people who, over the past century, have given their time, their skills, their friendship and their hearts to 1st Walmer. People whose footsteps have helped shape the Group we are so proud to celebrate today. Their stories are different, but they share something very special: they made a difference. Just as the trees around us grow stronger with the passing years, so too has 1st Walmer, rooted in friendship, service, courage, adventure and the values of the Scout Promise and Law. May every flower that blooms here, every bird that visits, and every quiet moment spent beneath these trees remind us that a life of service is never forgotten,” says Cheryl.

For Barbara de Scande looking at the yellowwood tree in the garden, planted by her sons in honour of their father James ‘Baloo’ de Scande, brings back memories of family generations of Scouting. When asked what she imagined 1st Walmer would look like in another 100 years, she said: “I picture a much bigger and flourishing Garden of Remembrance, proper facilities and a large campsite where future generations of Scouts are continuing the adventure.” Beside the memorial yellowwood tree, a 100-year stone display was installed as a special centenary gift from Algoa Sea Scouts, adding another lasting reminder of the generations connected to the Group.

Eastern Cape Scouting stalwart Jeff Ferreira has also been part of 1st Walmer’s story and his too spans generations. In honour of the centenary Jeff spent countless hours going through old minute books and records, tracing names, dates and award recipients to update and accurately reflect the Group’s history on its Honours Board. During the celebrations, Jeff’s contribution was recognised when he received his 50-Year Service Award. “My favourite part of this centenary celebration is seeing old friends from Scouting again and having the opportunity to spend quality time catching up with them. After so many years, the friendships are still what matter most.”

The Group’s younger generation also got into the fun of the event through engaging activities. The Rovers’ sense of humour prevailed as they recreated an old 1st Walmer photograph by reenacting one of the Group’s early adventures showing that 100 years on 1st Walmer Scouts are still going strong!

As the Group prepared for the campfire, the heavens opened. But in true Scouting spirit, everyone smiled and whistled and the campfire was moved indoors. “It would not be a 1st Walmer event without rain,” laughed Scouter Morgan Schroder. “I love that our children continued to play outside and enjoyed themselves while the parents were the ones wanting to get indoors! Also, seeing the camaraderie around the campfire and watching the whole Group come together to support and help wherever needed made it a truly special celebration.”

As the evening continued and people gathered around the chimney, stories continued, people caught up with old friends, children carried on enjoying themselves, and generations of Scouts sat together around the fire. In addition to the Group’s members and alumni, guests included National Scout Programme Chair Theo Rijs, Regional Commissioner Neil O’Brien, and friends of the Group who travelled from near and far to be part of this incredible milestone for 1st Walmer.

After 100 years of 1st Walmer it is still not about the buildings, photographs, records or awards, but about the people who keep showing up, supporting one another and adding their own chapter to the story.  A special thanks to the centenary organisation team under leadership of Cheryl Schroder. Thank you, Chery, Kendyl, Colin, Morgan, Caroline, Mariechen, Truide, Robert, Kath, Kayleigh, Kelsey, Neill Purdon, Amy, Ammaarah, Justin, Andrew, Stephen, Jeff, Barbara, the Scouters, Group Committee, parents, and Scouts who all stepped up as family.

One hundred years. Many generations. Countless memories. And as they once again proved, come rain or shine the adventure will always continue at 1st Walmer.

Photos: Caroline Boshoff and 1st Walmer Facebook.