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How to join

How to join

Membership to the South African Scout Association is open to all persons who accept the Scout Promise and Law as a way of life, irrespective of race, gender or creed.

The South African Scout Association has a number of membership options available

Cubs: - Cubs can be boys or girls from the age of 7½ years up until their 11th birthday - many groups are of mixed gender, however some may be for boys only or for girls only. Most Cub pack are "land"`packs, however some Cub packs may be affiliated to "Sea Scout" groups or "Air Scout" groups, however all Cub packs still follow the same program.

Scouts: - Scouts can be boys or girls from the age of 10½ years until their 18th birthday - most groups today are of mixed gender, but some may be for boys only or for girls only. Most Scout Troops are "Land" Scouts, however some Scout Groups are "Sea Scout" groups (meaning they do participate in more water activies or "Air Scout" groups meaning that they would participate in more air/flying related activies (There no currently any "Air Scout" Groups in the West Rand district - You can visit the Gauteng Air Scout website, if you have more interest in this area)   

Rovers: - Rovers is a service orientated section of the Scout movement, allowing for young men and women over the age of 18 years, Rover crews may be affiliated to individual scout groups or to entire districts. There are however not many groups that currently have rover crews.

Adult leaders: - All adult leaders join the movement on a voluntary basis and are required to undertake the scout promise and abide by the scout law, they are required to undergo relevant training before they will be permitted to take charge of any Scouts or Cubs. In addition, all candidates need to provide character references, who must be contacted to deem suitability before any persons are accepted as adult leaders into the movement. In addition all parents of Cubs or Scouts are automatically members of the parent association and are eligible to be elected to the parents committee of the group to which their child belongs. This association is responsible for the financial well-being of group.  

If you wish to join as a Scout or Cub, select the group closest to your home from the list below, click on the link and verify if the particular group caters for your individual needs (ie. whether they accept boys and/or girls etc.). Verify that the meeting times are suitable to your availability. You can then attend meetings at the required times with that group. It is normal for new recruits to visit the group for a few weeks before "signing up" and becoming invested. This gives the Cub / Scout and his / her parents a chance to "feel things out". It is advisable to contact the relevant Scouter before attending the meeting, to ensure that times are still correct and that the group has space to accept you. The group may also possibly have planned to go on an outing. etc. 

Adults wishing to join as Scout or Cub leaders should contact the District Commissioner (see the contact us page), or contact the relevant group they wish to join directly from the list below. 

Young adults wishing to join as Rovers as also requested at this stage to contact the District Commissioner, as there is not currently an active rover crew in the West Rand District (There are currently plans underway to establish a group in the very near future) 

 

Groups that are currently active on the West Rand are as follows:-

  • Krugersdorp / Witpoortjie  Area - 1st Eagles - "Land" Scouts & Cubs
  • Roodekrans / Helderkruin Area - Protea Ridge - "Land" Scouts & Cubs
  • Horison Area - 1st Horison - "Land" Scouts & Cubs
  • Discovery Area - 1st Discovery - "Land" Scouts & Cubs
  • Discovery Area - Deseret - Cubs only affiliated to the "Church of Jesus Christ of LDS"
  • Florida Lake Area - Florida Lake Sea Scouts - "Sea" Scouts & Cubs
  • StrubensValley / Allens Nek / Wilgeheuwel - 1st StrubensValley - "Land Scouts (currently no cubs)
  • For area's not covered by the West Rand district - You can vist the Gauteng Area website, which contains contact information and information on other groups in the Gauteng Province or the South African Scout Association website for national information.

What will it cost you to join? 

  • Membership Fees: "Annual Membership" fees are payable by each member, and this amount is set by each individual group, decided by the parents association of that group and the amount depends very much on the status of the group itself - We therefore are not able to provide these amount on this website, but the relevant Scouter will be able to inform you of this amount for the group you may wish to join - however we can assure you that is will be nominal compared to other activities of this nature. "Annual membership fees" covers the subcription required  for membership to the national and international body, and general costs of the running the group. All adult leaders serve on a voluntary basis and no salary / wages is paid to such persons - Groups will also normally undertake a number of fund-raising projects, thus keeping membership fees as low as possible.  

 

  • Uniform: In addition the membership subscriptions you will be required to obtain and wear the prescribed uniform once you join. Uniforms are also relatively unique to each individual group. You Scouter will also be able to advise you of these requirements. 

 

  • Campfees: When participating in activities such as camps, hikes etc. you will be required to pay a "camp fee" to cover the cost of entry to the venue and the cost of your food during the event. You will be advised of these costs in advance.

Note: You will NOT be required to pay any membership fees or obtain a uniform until you have decided that you do want to join and become invested. On average this "feeling out" period would be 4 to 8 weeks.