Sandringham Scouts treat kids from Johannesburg Children's Home to a magical weekend

The Citizen

3 days ago

Children from the Johannesburg Children's Home were treated to a weekend full of adventure, laughter, and learning when the Sandringham Scout Group hosted 41 young guests at their annual Scouting Experience Camp on July 19 and 20.
Read more: Scouts welcome Johannesburg Childrens Home for weekend of fun and friendship
From the moment they arrived, the children were immersed in the full spirit of Scouting. Groups were formed, according to age, with the youngest joining the Meerkats, followed by the Cubs and then the Scouts. The older children quickly took to their team challenges, giving their teams names and diving into a range of exciting activities.
The Angels in Red proved unstoppable during the Scout competitions, earning top marks across the board, while the Blue Crips flipped their way to first place in the ever-popular pancake challenge. Whether it was fire-making with flint and steel, the fast-paced commando obstacle course, or the quirky nailed-it baking sessions, the children embraced every moment with wide-eyed wonder.
As the sun began to set on Saturday, the campfire was lit, and the real magic began. Children gathered around to sing songs and toast marshmallows over glowing embers. Laughter rang through the night air as they bonded over silly lyrics, gooey treats, and the warmth of shared stories. The day ended with a movie night under the stars, where the younger ones fell asleep mid-scene, content and tired from the day's excitement.
Sunday brought a surprise that left everyone buzzing. Fire Training Centre (FTC) Modderfontein arrived in a bright red Dennis Fire Engine, turning the campsite into an open-air fire safety lesson. The children watched in amazement as firefighters explained the equipment on board, including a live demonstration of the Jaws of Life. The highlight came when each child got the chance to handle the fire hose, blasting water across the field and cheering each other on.
'The Scouts camp was an experience for our kids,' said Kaeleigh Goss, a social worker at the Johannesburg Children's Home. 'It was a highlight that taught them valuable skills and the importance of teamwork. The leaders created such a safe and fun environment, and we are truly grateful for opportunities like this that help shape our children's growth and character.'
Richard Hooper, from Sandringham Scouts, said the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 'The children haven't stopped talking about it. It was a fantastic weekend, and we are so thankful to every Scouter, adult helper, Scout, Cub, and Meerkat, who helped make it such a success.'
The weekend was more than just an outing; it was a chance for children to play, learn, and explore. For many, it offered a first glimpse into the world of Scouting, but, more importantly, it reminded everyone involved of the power of community, kindness, and the simple joy of being a child.
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