The 113th Graaff‑Reinet Scout Group held its Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony on 22 January 2026, bringing together parents, scouts, committee members, and special guest Mr William Pringle for an evening of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment. Here is a YouTube link for those who missed it.
Growth of the Troop
Troop Scouter Jacques Ferreira shared an inspiring overview of the global and local Scouting journey, reminding the audience that Scouting stretches far beyond Graaff‑Reinet, reaching over 60 million members in 176 countries.
Locally, the troop continues its steady growth:
- 2023: 9 scouts
- 2024: 12 scouts
- 2025: 17 scouts
- 2026: 7 new recruits expected, bringing the troop to 22 scouts
Activities & Achievements in 2025
The past year included a variety of camps, hikes, skills nights, and community service efforts:
- PL’s & APL’s Hike and Overnight Camp
- PL visit to 1st Walmer Scout Troop
- Troop Survival Camp
- Camp Practice Build
- Environmental Community Service Project
Thursday evening meetings remained a hive of activity, with scouts mastering new skills—from stretcher‑race builds to tripods, catapults, fire‑making, and the memorable inverted tent build. A highlight of the year was the investment of six new scouts.
Committee & Scouter Updates
The group expressed gratitude to outgoing committee members for their dedication and welcomed those stepping into new roles for 2026:
- SGL: Jacques Ferreira (continuing)
- Secretary: Chris Nash
- Treasurer: Bronwyn Ferreira (continuing)
- Maintenance: James Potgieter
- PRO: Chris Nash
- Fundraising: Liezel Ludick
The troop also welcomed additional scouters Ryan Hobson and Chris Nash, both former Graaff‑Reinet scouts.
Support & Sponsorships
Special thanks were extended for:
- Merino Pharmacy – First Aid box restock sponsorship
- UHS Development Trust – Pole sponsorship
Maintenance highlights included window and door repairs, installation of an outdoor flagpole, rope and pole sorting, and annual hall/yard clean‑ups.
Awards for 2025
Congratulations to the following scouts for their dedication and spirit:
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MOST IMPROVED SCOUT OF THE YEAR - Simo N
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MOST HELPFUL SCOUT OF THE YEAR (ELEANOR KROON TROPHY) - Connor TWN
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BEST ATTENDANCE SCOUT OF THE YEAR (JUDY BIGGS TROPHY) - Keith H
-
MOST SPIRITED PATROL OF THE YEAR (BRUCE MAREE TROPHY) - EAGLES PATROL, PL: Jordan M
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BEST OVERALL PATROL OF THE YEAR (CHOOKIE GEARD TROPHY) - BUFFALO PATROL, PL: Aidan F