Aug 01 2026

Smoke Signals August 2026

  • 01/08/2026

We are excited to present you with our first proper edition of Smoke Signals since last year! (Although we did publish Smoke Signals “Lite” in June.) Enjoy reading it, as it is such an amazing way to reflect on the past term.

Thank you to all the Scouts who contributed, and a special shoutout to Seb for co-ordinating and collecting the troop articles featured here, and Ethan, who worked extra hard editing the PDF version while working at Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland: “producing this edition from KISC has really made me realise how busy the troop has been lately. I hope this collection of reports will emphasise all the planning and effort that it takes for scouts to run these impactful activities. Well done to the scouts who have been working hard on their advancements, and a special mention to everyone that has attended their events! I hope you enjoy seeing what the different patrols and Springbok candidates have been up to over the last little bit!“

Now for the recruitment call: If you enjoy this issue, please consider joining the team! We are in need of parents or Scouters to collect articles and pictures from the Meerkat Den or Cub Pack (who unfortunately aren’t represented in this issue). And Scouts and Cubs remember to continue writing articles, taking photos and sending them in!

Download the full PDF version here:

Or read the individual articles below. To start with, there are several updates from the Group overall:

Next there is plenty of news from the Scouts on their journey towards the Discoverer, First Class and Springbok badges:

Finally, also from the Scouts, there are the Patrol and Court of Honour reports:

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/smoke-signals/smoke-signals-august-2026/

Jul 29 2026

Hall fundraising target

  • 29/07/2026

In 2025 we announced our plan to purchase our property – and now we are pleased to announce our fundraising target, and the amount raised so far!

Our target is R1 million, based on the estimated value of the property and similar properties bought by other non-profit organisations.

At the launch of June 2026, our hall fundraising total stands at R372 000, thanks to fundraising and parent donations over the last several years. The quiz in late June added R10 767 to that total.

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/fundraising/hall-fundraising-target/

Jul 29 2026

Rugby evening coming up on 22 August

  • 29/07/2026

It’s time for our annual “Rugby on the Big Screen” at the hall! On Saturday 22 August, it will be Boks vs All Blacks, and we are hoping to fill the hall with families and supporters. We really hope to see you there!

Of course, an event like this needs a team to run it, so we are looking for assistance – please follow the WhatsApp groups for details of what is needed. At present we are especially in need of more people for the braaiing and catering team. We have run several similar events recently and have a great formula, so we feel it’s in a great shape to be taken on by a new team each time. If you would like to be involved, please let us know or speak to one of the previous organisers for more info. Thanks!

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/fundraising/rugby-evening-coming-up-on-22-august/

Jul 29 2026

Rafiki’s farewell

  • 29/07/2026

Judith (or Rafiki as many of us know her) is stepping down from her role as Den Scouter in September.
Judith helped establish our Meerkat Den back in 2020 (as well as helping establish Meerkats in the
Western Cape) and many of our Cubs have come through Meerkats with her. We are having a farewell for
her after the Meerkat meeting on Saturday 12 September from 9:45 – 10:30am at the hall, and we would love all current and former Meerkats and families, and other 1st Claremont supporters, to join us to say our farewell to her.

If you would like to contribute to a farewell gift, please EFT to the 1st Claremont account using the reference “JBGift” plus your surname by 5 September.

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/1stclaremont-scouts/meerkats/rafikis-farewell/

Jul 28 2026

Swifts Patrol Report

  • 28/07/2026

Before I talk about Swifts currently and where we are going, I would like to take a step back and thank our previous PL. Well done and thank you to Joel while being an exceptional PL while working so hard on Springbok. A huge thank you for being a vital part of the Swifts legacy.

This term has been busy for the patrol. In-between many members attending different Springboks events and bringing much joy around, we’ve managed to have a patrol activity to the aquarium. Everyone really enjoyed it and enjoyed seeing all the creatures that call our oceans home.

Term one was no different, with Saskia running her Discoverer hike and me wrapping up First Class. So we would stay busy with camps and comm serve around the corner.

For Swifts the holidays were still busy, with me running 40 hours of community service and having many Swifts attend and paint murals at the SPCA. 

I look forward to another term as PL of the best patrol and can’t wait to see what is still around the corner.

Emily Gilham

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/1stclaremont-scouts/scouts/swifts-patrol-report-2/

Jul 28 2026

Boks Patrol report

  • 28/07/2026

Boks has had a truly spectacular term. The spirits were high and our patrol enthusiastically participated in every meeting.

Winning the MOSCIP trophy this term certainly showed the hard work and dedication that the patrol put in this term. Between patrol members earning badges, a few going on courses and our attendance at events, for the first time in a while, we can call the termly trophy ours!

I look forward to seeing what the term ahead holds for Boks and for all the members of our patrol.

Juliet D’arcy-Evans

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/1stclaremont-scouts/scouts/boks-patrol-report/

Jul 28 2026

Seth’s Discoverer Community Service

  • 28/07/2026

On Thursday, 2 April 2026, I led a community service project at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park, Cape Town. I was in charge of a team made up of Megan Le Roux, Rebecca Brink, and Axel. Our job was to help clean and improve the SPCA grounds.

After the safety talk, we started working. We pulled out weeds, cleared away leaves and rubbish, cut back overgrown plants, and cleaned the paths and gardens. I made sure everyone had something to do and that we worked well together. We all helped each other, and because we worked as a team, we got a lot done.

By the end of the day, the gardens and outside areas looked much cleaner and tidier. It felt good to see how much of a difference our work had made. I enjoyed leading the group and learned that good teamwork, clear communication, and helping others are all important.

Overall, I really enjoyed this project. I am proud of what my team and I achieved, and I was happy to help an organisation that does so much to care for animals.

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/advancement/discoverer/seths-discoverer-community-service/

Jul 28 2026

Kestrels Patrol Report

  • 28/07/2026

Kestrels has been a lot of fun recently. Since becoming a Patrol Leader, I’ve helped redesign our notice board and restock the STA box. Our patrol has made countless great memories together, and it’s been rewarding to see Kestrels working well and staying consistent.

We’ve had plenty of enjoyable events, including the Olivers’ Discovery Hike and Matthew’s First Class activities. Overall, Kestrels is running smoothly, and I’m proud of how much we’ve achieved as a patrol.

Oliver Ringrose

Permanent link to this article: https://1stclaremont.org.za/1stclaremont-scouts/scouts/kestrels-patrol-report/