Andrew Done sent Scouts SA an inspiring message through social media – a raw testimonial that expresses his positive experiences as a Scout. We invited him to share his journey with you…

My name is Andrew Done and I was a Scout in the 1^st Hillcrest Scout Group, from 2013 until 2020. During this time, I managed to complete the Springbok Award and Bushmans Thong.

Scouts has had an incredible impact on my life. Through the planning of camps, hikes and community service, I have learnt many life-skills, such as budgeting and how to work through a problem. I honestly can say that Scouts has helped me to be the person I am today.

I still remember the first hike I went on…I had just turned twelve and a friend invited me to join him on his Springbok event to hike up Tugela Falls for a few days. I remember clearly waking up in the morning and looking out at the sunrise. It felt like you were looking out over the entire world…there is just nothing like it. It was so peaceful and when we eventually hiked down, I felt great pride looking up to the top and knowing that we were standing there.

Raft races were also amazing events. So many different Scouts from all over – KZN meeting at Midmar Dam and building and racing our rafts…such great fun! It was large events like this and the South African National Jamboree that made me realise how large Scouts is and that no matter where you go in South Africa or in the world, there are like-minded people who are eager to support.

I met my best friend through Scouts, and together we attended every event that the other hosted – all the way to the end of Springbok. Scouts is not just about working on tasks for yourself, but helping people get through theirs. The structure of Scouts encourages steady growth. You start off learning the basics with the older Scouts helping you and teaching you. Then, as you get older you start to plan and run your own small events. Eventually you are teaching the younger guys all the lessons you have learnt.

Scouts has given me a great appreciation and respect for all the little and large blessings I have in my life. Scouts taught me how to work with other people and how to plan. Scouts has shown me the benefit of building people up, helping others and accepting help.  I am now travelling and studying in Europe and have to look after myself and I do not know if I would be able to cope as well if it was not for Scouts.

Nothing can replace what Scouts has done for me, from the people I have met, to the memories I have made and the invaluable lessons learnt.