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- Written by: Chris N
Last night, something powerful happened. Not loud. Not flashy. But deeply, undeniably Scout-like.
As the sun dipped and the hall filled with the familiar sound of boots on wooden floors, the Troop gathered for an evening that proved - once again - that Scouting is not about adults running programs for boys. It’s about boys becoming leaders.
From the very first whistle to the final sweep of the floor, the entire evening was planned, prepared, run, and packed away by the Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders and their Scouts. No adults running the show. No hands-on guidance. Just Scouts leading Scouts.
And they nailed it.
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- Written by: Chris N
The 1st Graaff‑Reinet Scouts had an unforgettable evening at the Union High School swimming pool as they took on the Swimming Scoutcraft Badge. With older Scouts stepping up to help run evaluation stations, the atmosphere felt like a true display of teamwork and Scout spirit. Dozens of brave swimmers hit the water to face the badge’s demanding challenges, and by the end of the night, 11 Scouts had successfully completed every requirement — a fantastic achievement and a testament to their determination.
Read more: Scouts Make a Splash at the Swimming Scoutcraft Badge Evening
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- Written by: Chris N
When danger strikes in the wild, a Scout never backs down… and never leaves a Patrol Leader behind!
Last night at the 1st Graaff‑Reinet Scout Troop, our Scouts faced a challenge worthy of true trailblazers: constructing a makeshift stretcher to rescue their “injured” Patrol Leader and get him back to safety.
But this was no ordinary rescue mission.
This was a test of teamwork.
Of ingenuity.
Of absolute Scout grit.
YouTube - TikTok - Instagram - Facebook
Read more: Epic Adventure Night: The Great Stretcher Rescue Challenge!
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- Written by: Chris N
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when teamwork, balance, determination, and a healthy dose of chaos collide… welcome to The Drum of Destiny, one of the 1st Graaff‑Reinet Scout Troop’s favourite high-energy games!
Picture it:
A circle of Scouts link hands around a lone bucket or drum—an ordinary object, suddenly transformed into the beating heart of the arena. The Scouts brace themselves. Feet dig into the earth. Grip tightens. The circle starts to move… slowly at first, then builds into a spinning ring of momentum, laughter, strategy, and mild panic.
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- Written by: Chris N
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
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- Written by: Chris N
Every year, as dusk gathers and the call to adventure sounds, the 1st Graaff‑Reinet Boy Scout Troop unleashes a legendary trial known as the Trestle Race. This is no ordinary game—it is a rite of passage, where new recruits take their first bold steps into the rough‑and‑tumble world of Scouting.
Armed with nothing but determination and freshly learned skill, the initiates are taught their first knot: the square lashing. Moments later, with rope in hand and adrenaline pumping, they are thrust into action—binding poles, racing against time, and discovering firsthand that Scouting is learned by doing.
Through laughter, competition, and a little chaos, bonds are forged and confidence is earned. It is here that boys become Scouts.
The troop gathers every Thursday at 6:00 pm during the school term at the Chookie Geard Scout Hall, where many more adventures await beyond the trailhead.