During your time as a scout, you will learn how to live with nature, hike safely, camp in comfort, cook your meals over a camp stove or fire and discover many ways to care for the land. No matter what trying conditions you may face; you’ll know how to take care of yourself. You’ll develop strength, confidence, and good judgment. You will also learn how to be a good team member and later how it feels to be a leader. As a Scout you will also learn skills that will help you throughout your lifetime.
Scouting experiences will help you discover that you can make good things happen in your life by planning and setting goals and then reaching for them. You’re in charge of your life and your experiences, and there’s no limit to what you can do - if you just put your mind to it.
— Hugh "Buzz" Macey, The Scout Trail (2002)After Membership, there are four advancement levels: Traveller, Discoverer, First Class and Springbok.
| Membership | Traveller | Discoverer | First Class | Springbok |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| “I have just joined the Troop” Learn about the Scout Promise and Law, and Scouting background. | “I am Learning to be a Scout” Learn what it means to be a Scout, and learn new skills. | “I am Learning to be an APL” Be involved with your Patrol and Troop, sharpen your Scouting Skills. | “I am Learning to be a PL” Become a well-rounded Scout and citizen. | “I am a Leader of Scouts!” Lead your Patrol and Troop on a number of projects that challenge you. |
Membership
Membership is completed during the time when a Scout is joining the Troop. They learn the basics of Scouting, including the Scout Promise, Scout Law, and the story of our founder, Robert Baden-Powell.
Traveller
The Traveller Advancement Level is all about learning to be a Scout. The Scouts will learn basic knots and lashings, first aid and safety, how to live outdoors, and will be introduced to community service.
Discoverer
The Discoverer Advancement Level is where Scouts start to learn leadership through being an Assistant Patrol Leader. Scouts learn more advanced skills compared to Traveller.
First Class
The First Class Advancement Level allows Scouts to learn to be a Patrol Leader by providing many leadership opportunities, such as planning and organising camps, hikes, and community service projects.
Springbok
The Springbok Award is the highest award achievable by any Scout in South Africa. The completion of all requirements for the Springbok Award must occur before the applicant’s 18th birthday, with the exception of the final panel interview.