Local scout earns Springbok colours

KNYSNA NEWS - Chiara Medeira, a proud member of the Knysna Scouts, recently received Springbok colours - an accomplishment that places her among the top 1% of scouts worldwide.

The Scouts Movement typically focuses on the development of young people which entails outdoor activities, community service, and character-building while promoting values such as teamwork, respect, and self-reliance.

The Springbok Award is the highest accolade that can be bestowed upon a scout, and Medeira's story of dedication, perseverance, and growth exemplifies the values and life lessons fostered within the Scouts Movement.

Where is all started

Medeira said that her scouting journey began when she was just seven years old.

"My uniform was hanging off me, and it was a whole new environment. I was terrified of bugs, the bush, the bigger kids, and the silly things they did at my first Cub (programme for children between the ages of 7 and 11) meeting.

"Little did I know, I would meet my best friends, create a home away from home, and make my most treasured memories. Cubs taught me how to overcome fear, time management and leadership.

Chiara Medeira giving the scout salute.

"I had the best memories of going to Cape Town to represent Knysna in National Scout Competitions, and of all the silly little games we came up with. Eventually, I decided to work towards my Leaping Wolf Badge, the highest achievement in Cubs; it was quite the journey.

"I remember being awarded it at the age of 11, and thinking, 'wow, this is it.'"

Springbok aspirations

Pressed on what inspired her to one day become a Springbok scout, she said that it all started when she visited Plett Scouts.

"On that specific day one scout was giving a presentation on her Springbok journey ... I remember being so enlightened, and I almost saw it as a challenge.

"I came home, and I wrote on a little sticky note, 'I will be a Springbok scout'. From that day, I worked on the baby steps, the different badges and advancement levels needed to be completed.

"As I worked through them, I grew as a person - there's something that changes you after you cry over frustrating admin, or the fear while you were lost on forestry roads in the Tsitsikamma forest.

"Then came the official requirements for being a Springbok. At first, they were daunting; 'How will I do this by the time I matriculate?' But after the use of some highlighters, and a pretty mind map, the mountain became little hills, and I was so ready to get to the top!" she said.

'Grateful for life lessons'

Madeira says that overall scouting taught her how to deal with different personalities and people from different backgrounds, how to balance a busy schedule, how to delegate and embrace people's strengths, and recognise that weaknesses are not all that bad.