Scouting is a partnership with the parents and the youth. The small group of volunteer adult leaders cannot do everything and are dependent on active parent involvement such as providing lifts to competitions, joining hikes and neighbourhood clean ups, encouraging Scouts with activities at home and helping with fundraisers. We occasionally require assistance with property maintenance and parents and/or their networks are encouraged to lend a helping hand. There are occasional parent meetings which parents are expected to attend as this is where we discuss matters integral to the ongoing success of the group and the ultimate experience of our scouts.

Scouting is not a military organization, even though its founder and the concept of Scouting were initially based in the military. The purpose of the uniform is to create a level playing field, to equalise discrepancies between the backgrounds of the scouts, and to provide a sense of belonging. It is also a visual representation of the achievements and advancements of the scouts as the advancement and interest badges that they earn are worn on their uniforms.

The uniform has changed over the many years of the movement’s existence and the khaki shirt is the only remaining, formal part of the uniform. A full uniform consists of a khaki shirt, group scarf, woggle, jeans, belt, badges and closed shoes.

Khaki shirt – This is for displaying scouting and group insignia as well as all the badges and awards a scout achieves.

Group scarf and woggle – Every group in the world has its own, unique scarf and this is issued to youth members when they are invested into the group. The woggle is a platted leather ring that holds the scarf in place.

Jeans and scout belt – Blue jeans reduce the potential financial outlay of a full uniform. Scouts are, however, welcome to wear khaki shorts or long pants.

Badges – Badges are sewn onto the uniform after investiture and, thereafter, as they are earned. They are an important indicator of who we are and the advancement level of a scout.

For the Meerkats the main components of the uniform are a bottle green golf shirt and brim hat. Badges are sown onto the hat brim to showcase a Meerkat’s achievements.

Scouting is generally an inexpensive activity. There is an annual membership fee with various options as regards payment. This fee includes some, but not all, scouting activities. For more detailed information in this regard please contact our Treasurer via the Contact page.

In South Africa there are three categories of Scouts, namely Land Scouts, Air Scouts and Sea Scouts. They all follow the same basic programme, but with a bit more emphasis on activities associated with the type of Scout category within which they fall. Thus, for Air Scouts there will be more emphasis on interest badges related to air activities such as Advanced Navigation, Air Mechanic, Air Glider, etc. These Scouts wear a light blue shirt. Sea Scouts wear a navy blue shirt and for them more emphasis is placed on water based badges such as Sailing, Boatman, Helmsman and Boatswain. Traditionally, Land Scouts are more diverse since they frequently attend the same courses and partake in same activities as Air and Sea Scouts in addition to the more land based interest badges such as Hike Leader, Survival, etc. It is possible for a Scout to earn three cords/thongs which represent achievement in the highest interest badge levels for Land, Air and Sea Scouts. There is also a fourth cord, namely, the Service Cord, which includes many service orientated interest badges. The 1st Durbanville Scout Group is a land Scout group, but our youth members regularly earn the “three cords” and we have our own boat!

You can contact us using the details provided on the “Contact Us” page, or you can phone the regional office at 067 694 3688. An internet search will also produce many more helpful resources and links and you can check out our “Resources” page for helpful links. You can also find links and details on our Facebook page at 1st Durbanville Scouts Facebook