The Free State Scouts continued their task of nurturing visionary future leaders, aligned with Youth Day in June.
This saw the induction of 25 scouts. They were inducted during a Rover Camp, a scouting programme held from 14 to 16 June at the Lekhulong Secondary School in Bloemfontein.
Inductees were mostly youths from across the Free State, offered valuable life skills to be of service to the community. They were from Thabo Mofutsanyana, Mangaung and Lejweleputswa. The Rover Camp targets both youths and adults.
The camp was graced by prominent figures of the Scouts South Africa (SSA) national office, Gary Pienaar, chief commissioner, and Lawrence Stanton, former National Youth Representative.
Katleho Mokoena, Free State Youth Representative organiser, said the camp initiative aimed at addressing the often-overlooked needs of young people.
“It focuses on providing them with skills for independence. This camp is about bridging the gap for youth who are on the cusp of adulthood, offering them the support and life skills they need to thrive,” said Mokoena.
“During the three-day event youths, senior regional and national leaders discussed the important role of youth leadership within scouting and our communities, as well as the value of being of service to the community as a Rover.
“Community service activities include cleaning the homes of those living with a disability, donating food to families in need, and showing support to charity programmes.
“The support of adults was identified as significant for progress.”
Camp activities culminated in a community awareness march on 16 June, with Sello Legegeru, provincial regional commissioner, leading a team of volunteers, cubs and scouts to commemorate Youth Day.
“The awareness march highlighted the importance of the presence of the scouting movement and the significant role they play in the community,” said Mokoena.
In attendance were scouts representing the Lesotho Scouts Association (LSA). They were involved in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) the two bodies signed in April.
The terms entail that the two national scout bodies mutually support each other to promote the sharing of skills development programmes, enhance cultural exchange, and enable the personal growth and development of the youth in their respective countries.
