Jump to content

Meerkat Instructor

From SCOUTS South Africa Wiki

Working with Meerkats is one of the most rewarding ways a Scout can grow as a leader. The Meerkat Instructor Scout Challenge Award challenges Scouts to step forward, take responsibility, and make a meaningful contribution to a Meerkat Den. By assisting younger Meerkats to learn, play, and grow, Scouts develop leadership, communication, patience, and creativity. Through practical involvement, they learn how to plan and run activities, support Den programmes, and serve as positive role models. This badge is about learning by doing, building confidence, and discovering the value of service - while having fun and making a real difference in the lives of young Meerkats.

Badge Requirements

Meerkat Instructor Scout Challenge Award
Meerkat Instructor Scout Challenge Award
  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Before beginning service as a Meerkat Instructor, a Scout must have the foundational Scouting knowledge required to safely and effectively support Meerkat activities with confidence.
  2. Youth Leadership and Responsibility
    A Meerkat Instructor must demonstrate responsibility, maturity, and appropriate behaviour when working with Meerkats.
    1. Obtain approval from the Den Scouter, Troop Scouter and Scout Group Leader to serve as a Meerkat Instructor.
    2. Discuss the responsibilities and expectations of a Meerkat Instructor with the Den Scouter.
    3. Explain appropriate behaviour, Safe From Harm principles, and being a positive role model to the Meerkats.
  3. Understanding the Meerkat Programme
    To be an effective Meerkat Instructor, a Scout must understand how the Meerkat Den operates and how Meerkats learn.
    1. Explain the purpose of the Meerkat Den and how it fits into the Scouting journey.
    2. Describe the Meerkat Promise and Law and how they are applied in Den activities.
    3. Explain the roles of the Den Scouter and the Lookout.
  4. Supporting Den Activities
    A Meerkat Instructor is expected to actively support the Den Scouter and leadership team in delivering a safe, engaging, and well-organised Meerkat programmes over a sustained period.
    1. Assist the Den Scouter, Assistant Den Scouters, and Den Helpers regularly over a minimum period of six (6) months.
    2. Attend and actively support at least 60% of scheduled Den meetings during this period, a minimum of fifteen (15) Den meetings in total.
    3. Assist with Den meetings, activities, ceremonies, games, skills instruction, and other programme activities as agreed with the Den Scouter.
    4. Demonstrate reliability, responsibility, teamwork, and Scout spirit while assisting the Den.
  5. Games, Activities, and Supporting Meerkats
    Games are an important part of the Meerkat programme and should be used to promote fun and learning.
    1. Lead at least three Meerkat-appropriate games or activities during Den meetings.
    2. Teach Meerkats at least two basic age-appropriate skills.
    3. Support at least two Meerkats individually by assisting them to:
      • Complete a requirement for an Interest Badge
      • Complete a requirement for an Advancement task
  6. Outdoor Experience with the Den
    Outdoor activities are a key part of the Meerkat programme and provide valuable opportunities for learning and adventure.
    1. Participate in at least one Den outdoor activity (e.g. a camp, hike, or outdoor day event).
    2. Assist the Den leadership team with the supervision and delivery of the activity.
  7. Reflection and Personal Growth
    Reflecting on your experience is an important part of developing as a leader.
    1. After serving for a minimum of six months as a Meerkat Instructor, reflect on your experience with the Den and discuss the following with the Den Scouter:
      • What you have learned
      • Challenges you experienced
      • How you contributed to the Meerkats and the Den
      • How the experience helped you develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills
    2. Give a short reflection or presentation to your Troop on your experience as a Meerkat Instructor and encourage other Scouts to consider becoming Meerkat Instructors.

Recommended Age Range: The Meerkat Instructor Scout Challenge is recommended for Scouts aged 14 to 17 years. The minimum age of 14 is set to ensure Scouts have the necessary maturity, Scouting experience, and foundational skills to take on responsibility within a Meerkat Den. This badge supports the development of leadership, responsibility, and confidence in working with younger Meerkats and Scouts. It provides practical experience in supporting a Meerkat Den through assisting with activities, teaching basic skills, and encouraging participation in a safe and positive environment.

Note: The Den Scouter must liaise with the Troop Scouter and Scout Group Leader to request and arrange the services of a Scout as a Meerkat Instructor. Formal permission must be obtained from both the Troop Scouter and the Scout Group Leader before the Scout may commence assisting the Den in this role.

Badge Examiner Requirement: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed. The ideal examiner for the Meerkat Instructor Badge is the Den Scouter, who has direct responsibility for the Meerkat Den and understands its programme, needs, and development objectives. They should be able to assess a Scout's ability to support Meerkats in a safe, constructive, and engaging manner. The examiner should ensure that the Scout demonstrates appropriate leadership, responsibility, and reliability in a real Den environment, while providing fair, consistent, and encouraging feedback that supports personal growth and confidence.

Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while always ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being.

Den Scouter Guidance Notes are available on ScoutWiki. These notes provide guidance to Den Scouters on the role, support, mentoring, and assessment of a Cub Instructor, including suggested areas of involvement and practical ways to provide meaningful opportunities for the Scout to learn and contribute to the Den.

Safe From Harm: Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances. All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults. Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

Badge Requirements in printable PDF format

What You Need First

The following badges must be completed before undertaking this badge:

Last Update

September 2026

Resources


Explore More Opportunities

  • My Scout Journey - An overview of your path in Scouting - from joining to earning top awards like the Springbok Award.
  • Scout Advancement Programme - The core steps Scouts follow to build skills and earn theme badges and advancement badges.
  • Scoutcraft Badges - Aimed at Scouts 11 to 13. Fun, hands-on badges that build confidence, essential skills, and lay the foundation for Interest Badges.
  • Scout Interest Badges - Aimed at Scouts 13 and older. Badges that promote personal growth through exploring interests, hobbies, and skills.


Retrieved from "https://scoutwiki.scouts.org.za/w/index.php?title=Meerkat_Instructor&oldid=19706"