THE 1st Paarl Scout Troop is celebrating its centenary this year.
It is thought to be the second or third oldest Scout group in the country, launched only two years after the original Boy Scout Movement was founded in England by Lord Baden-Powell in 1907.
The Boy Scouts’ ultimate aim is not to only keep our young-sters busy, but to play an active role in developing strong characters, healthy bodies and clear idealistic minds. What started as a simple summer camp in the south of England for a few boys on Brownsea-Island in 1907, developed within the short span of 100 years into the world’s largest youth movement with representation in 216 different countries, and more than 28 million members.
Also in South Africa active Troops were founded in Cape Town and Natal during 1909.
Lord Baden-Powell visited South Africa on many occasions and during his first visit in 1912, he even went on a camping expedition with the Scouts.
During the First World War (1914-1918) the Boy Scouts gave unselfish help and assistance to all in need and even gave their full support and services during the tragic flu epidemic which spread through the country just after the war.
The present Scouter is Eddie Seaman who has led the troop for the past 35 years, with Jimmy Knaggs at his side for the past 27 years.
According to available records, the first Scout camp of the Green and Reds (the colour of the scarf to this day) was held at Fraters Wool Washery near the Berg River in De Zoete Inval, Paarl South, in 1910.
The Scout Hall in Klein Parys was completed in 1982, where the Scouts (30 boys and girls) meet every Friday evening.
A commemorative gathering is planned at the Scout Hall in Klein Parys on 10 October.
It is hoped to attract old and new scouts, committee members and any person with a connection to the Paarl Scout Group. For enquiries, phone 082-497-9248.
