The 2nd Hout Bay Sea Scouts mentors with their meerkats. At the back, from left, are Heather Brown, Isabella Couvaras, Harry Southey, Ethan Blake, Olivia Steenkamp and Lee Dzbenski. Front: Fynn Griffith, Josie von Romburgh, Inathi Essien, Mivuyo Taylor and Luca Gale. Picture: supplied
The 2nd Hout Bay Sea Scouts group is hoping to attract younger members with its meerkat programme for children aged 5 to 7.
“As the youngest branch of the scout programme, meerkats offer good wholesome fun, where children interact with their peers, parents and guardians while developing wonderful skills and building character,” said scout group leader Kate Couvaras.
The meerkat programme started four weeks ago and is run by Heather Brown.
“Meerkats is the newest addition to the scouting world, and we wanted to extend what we offer to the Hout Bay community,“ Ms Couvaras said.
The scout group’s weekly activities include training in survival techniques as well as teamwork and leadership camps.
“The meerkats will earn badges at each level completed, which are displayed on their hats. They play games, do crafts and learn new skills. In addition, there are regular district meetings where the meerkats of all the areas meet up for fun events like campfires, camping and games,“ Ms Couvaras said.
Scout Harry Southey, 17, is a mentor for the meerkat programme.
“As a meerkat instructor, I must help and guide the meerkats to complete tasks to help prepare them for cubs, which is the next age group after meerkats,” he said.
“Being a meerkat instructor is so much fun for me as you get to watch such small and young minds develop into capable young boys and girls who hopefully will join cubs, and I will have helped guide them along the path through their meerkat journey.”
The scout group meets at the Hout Bay Scout Hall on Fridays from 3pm to 4pm.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Kate Couvaras at 082 454 4441.