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Scouting with heart and purpose

Megan Osborne finds friendship, purpose and pride in Scouts, and is pouring her heart into each requirement and enjoying the journey every step of the way.

At just 17, Megan Osborne is working hard to try and achieve something few Scouts do – the prestigious Springbok Scout Award. But for Megan, this isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about doing what she loves and honouring a promise made to her late dad.

“I’ve always enjoyed Scouts because it’s fun, challenging and full of people who love the outdoors like I do,” says the Grade 11 Westville Girls’ High School pupil. “It’s my time away from school where I get to be myself, take on new adventures and learn skills that actually matter.”

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Megan joined Cubs at age nine, encouraged by her parents’ shared love of nature. “My dad, Malcolm, really sparked my passion. He became an Assistant Pack Scouter and we did Cubs together. The year I moved up to Scouts, he passed away from cancer,” she says. “That’s when I made a promise to carry on and earn my Springbok Award in his memory.”

A dedicated member of the 1st Pinetown Scout Group, Megan is pouring heart and energy into the six demanding requirements that she needs to complete before her 18th birthday in September. These include planning and leading an expedition, a community service project, outdoor leadership, a skills-based construction challenge, safety and first aid proficiency, and a personal development plan.

“It’s a lot,” she laughs. “Every day I’m either planning something, finishing paperwork or training. But I enjoy it as it’s all part of the journey.”

Megan’s highlight so far has been the 2024 Cederberg Senior Scout Adventure – a tough, 10-day mountain trek with over 400 Scouts. Her patrol took on the Southern Route, the most challenging of the three, and earned themselves the Extreme Award.

“That experience was incredible,” she says. “It taught me how to rely on myself, support others and push past my limits.”

Her Community Service project is also close to her heart. She’s partnered with Chic Mamas Do Care Durban, a non-profit she’s long admired for its focus on early childhood education and sustainable giving. Megan is currently fundraising to install Library Corners: book-filled reading hubs in four local schools.

“It’s something that will last beyond me,” she says. “Reading changes lives, and I want kids to feel inspired the way I do when I’m learning something new.”

To help raise funds, Megan is hosting an ‘Absolute 80s’ show fundraiser at The Barnyard Suncoast on Sunday, July 27. “It’s open to everyone, R200 a ticket, and I’d love people to come and enjoy the music while supporting a good cause.”

Scouts has shaped every part of who Megan is. From building fires and navigating with a compass to leading patrols and mentoring younger Scouts, she’s grown into a confident, capable young woman.

“I’m proud to be an Assistant Troop Leader now. It means I get to help others the way I was helped when I was younger. I’ve learnt that leadership isn’t about being the loudest, it’s about being dependable, kind and calm.”

That calmness, she says, is key to any survival situation. “Always carry a first aid kit, know how to build a safe fire, and most importantly, stay calm. Mental strength is everything out there.”

Megan credits her mom, Gail, as her biggest source of strength. “She’s amazing. Since my dad passed, it’s just been the two of us. She’s strong, independent, and involved in Scouts by being on the Parent Committee, and has supported me every step of the way.”

Scouting, it turns out, runs deep in the family. Her mom was once a Brownie and Girl Guide, and Megan even has her great-grandfather’s 1932 Scout leadership notebook from the 1st Natal Gilwell Rover Scout Leaders Course. “It’s like my story is part of something bigger,” she smiles.

Outside of Scouts, Megan stays busy. She’s a Drama, and Computer Monitor at school, plays First Team Cricket, and is always up for a challenge – whether it’s on stage, in class or out in the wild.

Looking ahead, she hopes to become a Rover Scout after turning 18, and eventually travel the world. “I’m not 100 per cent sure what I want to study yet, maybe something in conservation or teaching. But I know I want to explore, learn and keep helping people.”

When asked what motivates her to keep pushing towards her Springbok Award, Megan doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the memory of my dad, and the example I want to set. I want to make my mom proud. And I really, really love being a Scout.”

With her signature grit, warmth and sense of purpose, Megan Osborne is proving that joy and determination can take you far, even into the mountains, across communities and towards a badge that means the world.

For Megan, the Springbok Scout Award is more than just a goal. It’s a legacy in action.

Details: To support Megan’s fundraising event at The Barnyard phone Gail Osborne at 084 432 1306.

To learn more about Megan’s mission or the1st Pinetown Scout Group, follow on socials IG: 1stpinetown_scouts or FB: 1stPinetownCubPackAndScoutGroup or Tiktok:1st.Pinetown.scout 

Megan’s top survival tips

First Aid

When out hiking or camping it’s critical to have a first aid kit with you at all times. You never know what could happen and making sure your body isn’t jeopardised is key to survival skills.

Seeking shelter 

Seeking shelter is important, depending on circumstances. At Scouts we learn how to build a quick shelter with materials around us which is important. The last thing you want is to harm the environment.

Building a fire 

Building a fire isn’t as easy as it sounds – especially if you have no materials or if your materials are wet. But is a good to have to make sure you keep warm, and in an emergency, a large fire may be spotted by helicopters. Plus, it can also be used to make smoke signals.

Signalling for help

The less time you spend trying to survive, the better – especially in an emergency. You can signal in many different ways, depending on what you have. For example, if you can make a fire, make one big enough to produce smoke signals — but also ensure the area is safe for a fire. You don’t want to burn down a forest. If you have bright, luminous clothing, try to use that too.

Stay calm and don’t panic

You never think clearly or logically with a panicked or busy mind. When trying to survive in an emergency, especially if you are not alone, stay calm. People feed off each other’s emotions, and this will help you all. That said, not everyone has strong mental resilience, but staying positive will help.

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