Welcome to the 9th Irene Scout Troop pages
The Irene Scout troop is what is known as an Air Scout troop and has approximately 20 boys ranging in age from 11 to 18. The Scout troop is run by 4 uniformed and fully qualified adult volunteers. As an Air Scout troop we try to orientate our programme toward aircraft and other aeronautical activities. The Scout programme focuses on teamwork, leadership skills, interpersonal relationship skills and the concept of “good citizenship”. The troop is split into teams called patrols, with each patrol having between six and ten boys and being lead by a patrol leader. Unlike Cubs, where the Six is heavily monitored by the adult leaders, the Scout patrol is a largely autonomous unit. Patrols regularly go on camps and hikes with minimum to no adult supervision, this is a core component of the Scout programme as it teaches the boys how to organise events, how to structure their time and how to cope without “mommy or daddy” being around to help.
The group takes part in various competitions throughout the year. The biggest of these in the annual Kontiki competition help at Murray Park in Springs. Kontiki pits troops from around Gauteng against each other over a 3 day period. The main focus of the Kontiki competition is the raft that is built. Each troop has 24 hours to build a raft that can sustain and carry 5 to 10 senior Scouts on the water for 24 hours. The Scouts on the raft are not allowed to touch dry land for the 24 hours and must be totally self-sufficient. While the raft crew build the raft and sail on the water with it, there are numerous other small competitions happening for the ground crew. These include a competition for the best campsite, a cooking competition, a dress-up competition and other similar events. 9th Irene has been one of the top teams in the last 5 years of Kontiki and we won the overall competition in 2002.
When a Cub turns 18 he can choose to go up to the Rover troop.
If you are interested in joining the Troop just fill out the join us form and we will get back to you.