Hi! I’m Daniel, the troop scouter at 1st Claremont. I took over from David Knight a little over a year and a half ago, and this is my chance to properly introduce myself to the group.
Let’s start with the timeline:
I began scouts at 1st Claremont in 2012 when I was 12 and I’ve been in the troop ever since. I was a Patrol Leader of the Swift Patrol and I got my Springbok in 2017. I matriculated in 2018 after which I took a short gap year to galavant across the world, visiting such countries as Kazakhstan and the US. I returned to South Africa just before the pandemic in 2020 to begin studying. In 2022, I became TS of 1st Claremont. Earlier this year, I graduated from UCT with a BSc in Computer Science, Biochemistry and Genetics. I currently work part-time at a Biotech Company, as well as pursuing an Honors Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at UCT.
I am fairly passionate about scouting, as one would have to be to take on the position of TS. There is no other organization – at least that I know of – that empowers kids in such a way as scouting does.
Personally, this was huge in moulding who I am today. Running my first camp when I was 14 seems ridiculous looking back on it, but is precisely the reason I think scouting is so valuable. Giving responsibility to a teenager (at least a teenage me) is so important in their upbringing and is probably the biggest reason I remain involved in scouting to this day.
I believe that getting outdoors as a group of young people and simply enjoying the time there – be it hiking, camping, climbing, snorkeling, paragliding or anything else, does wonders for the development of those young people.
Besides scouting, school and work, I’m a big enjoyer of my books, specifically fantasy. My favorite author is Terry Pratchett, and I think my favorite book is Going Postal (although this changes). I’m an avid runner, swimmer and (to a lesser extent) cyclist, and I’ve participated in a few triathlons including a half Iron Man (during which I nearly died), but fitting those things in is tricky with all the scouting that goes on.
I’m currently involved in a bunch of roles besides TS in scouts: I typically run a regional Pioneering Scoutcraft Course and this year I’m taking on the regional Pioneering Interest Course. I sit on the Scouts National IT Committee and I’m the Springbok Coordinator for the Constantiaberg district. I’m currently undertaking my Woodbadge, an adult training course, which will be very interesting to see how that feeds back into the troop.
I’ve enjoyed my time as TS so far – it’s certainly been a learning experience. I am excited for what’s to come, the impact I can make at 1st Claremont, as well as the lessons I will undoubtedly learn (willing or unwilling) along the way.
