Hout Bay scouts exploring with Meerkats

Meerkats from the 2nd Hout Bay Sea Scouts Troop recently joined other junior scouts from across the Western Cape for a special event known as a "Meerkat MOB".

Held at the 1st Durbanville Scouts headquarters, the event brought together Meerkat dens for a fun-filled day centered on a theme of different countries and cultures.

Den leader, Heather Brown, said the Meerkats are the youngest branch of the SCOUTS South Africa movement, specifically designed for children aged five and six.

"The programme was created to provide a fun and stimulating environment that supports early childhood development. Through a series of play-based activities, Meerkats are introduced to core scouting values and skills," she said.

The young participants, ranging from five to six years old, were able to travel the world through a series of engaging activity stations, such as exploring the culture of Australia by making cardboard boomerangs, learned the art of origami from Japan, creating vibrant sand art inspired by India, and even deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

"These activities are not just for fun; they are carefully designed to lay the foundation for a child's future success. By engaging in hands-on projects, teamwork, and cultural exploration, children develop key skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction," Ms Brown said.

"Events like the Meerkat MOB broaden their horizons, teach them about the world around them, and instill a sense of community and confidence that will benefit them throughout their entire scouting journey and beyond."

At the end of it all, the Meerkats received a special MOB badge, a unique keepsake given to all participants at the end of the event.

"This badge can be worn throughout a scout's entire career, serving as a reminder of the valuable experiences and friendships made," Ms Brown said.