One of the newcomers to the Meerkat Interest badges last year was the Family Heritage Badge. As it is part of the National Challenge 2024, our Meerkat Den decided to give it a go!
First of all, we held a Grandparents Day, with a large turnout of grandparents bringing interesting food to taste from their heritage, and teaching the Meerkats games and pastimes from a bygone era, like Kennetjie and Cat’s Cradle. One grandparent also talked about his Dad who had been a Scout in the UK and had a Wood Badge certificate signed by BP himself. Thank you to our wonderful grandparents for their participation.
Then the Meerkats made Family trees. They began to realize the relationships with their elders in terms of years – more than 50!
Finally, we made Time Capsules with photos, letters and favourite items. These are to be opened when they are 10 years old. We’ll report back in 2028 and 2029 on their reactions to their younger selves.
– Judith Bishop
