Scout Presentation of the Springbok Scout Award Certificate

Presenting the Springbok Scout Award

Presentation of the Springbok Badge and Certificate

The Springbok Scout is presented with the Springbok Scout badge as soon as possible after the Springbok Award has been approved by the Springbok Award Interview Panel and endorsed by the Chair: National Scout Programme. Like with the presentation of all Scout badges earned, recognition is immediate. The Springbok Scout badge can be awarded and worn by the Scout before they receive the Springbok Award Certificate. The Springbok Scout would like to wear the badge with pride as soon as possible so it is unwise to delay the presentation of the Springbok badge. The Springbok Award Certificate is usually presented at a more formal presentation at a later stage, such as a Regional Springbok Award presentation function, and the Springbok Scout badge at a Group occasion.

Who to Invite?

It is worth remembering that by awarding the Springbok badge in the presence of Meerkats, Cubs, Scouts and Rovers of the Group, it can be an incentive for others to achieve the highest award in their respective Branch. Besides which, the Springbok Scout deserves the accolade and the recognition! So, it is suggested that the whole Group is invited to be present, as this is a great way to inspire others to get their Springbok Award too. The awarding of a Springbok Scout badge is given particular significance in the life of a Scout Group. It is an achievement, not only by the Springbok Scout but for the entire Group, as it is highly unlikely that the Springbok Scout would have achieved the Award without the assistance and support of Adult Leaders, fellow Scouts, the Group Committee and Parents, so all are a part of the celebration of such an achievement. In addition to the above invitees to the special ceremony, event or occasion, the Springbok Scout also invites those people who have played a significant role along the Springbok Journey, Scouts and/or Scouters from other Troops, Course Leaders, School Teachers, and School Principal, as well as family and friends. The District Commissioner, RTC Scout Programme, Regional Commissioner and National Adult Leaders may also be invited to attend the presentation of the badge and / or certificate to the Springbok Scout. A special effort should be made to get previous Springboks from the Troop to attend the ceremony. This creates the feeling that the new Springbok is joining an special group, and may also encourage some of the previous Springboks to become active in Scouting again. It is up to the Springbok Scout to invite anyone who assisted them in achieving the goal of Springbok Scout. Make it an occasion for everyone to celebrate with the Springbok Scout!

It is all about the Springbok Scout!

Have a specific Springbok Presentation event to celebrate the dedication and hard work that is required for the completion of a Springbok Award. Don't just hand out the badge at a normal Troop meeting - Make it an event! The Springbok Presentation is a special function dedicated to the Springbok Scout and the spotlight and focus should be on the Springbok Award recipient. Make it very special and make it memorable; something that the Springbok Scout will look back on in years to come as one of the highlights of their Scouting – when that well deserved Springbok badge was presented and pinned onto their uniform. The presentation of the Springbok badge is done in conjunction with the Springbok Scout's wishes for the Springbok Award Presentation. It is their badge that they have worked hard for, and as such they should have a say in the arrangements for the presentation. Whatever the arrangements for the presentation ceremony are, it is worthwhile making it a special occasion for the parents of the Scout too. It is customary for the parents to join their Springbok Scout for the presentation of the Springbok Scout badge, standing just behind the Scout during the presentation in support of their child, as they did throughout the Scout's Springbok Journey.

Who Presents the Springbok Badge?

The Springbok badge is presented and pinned onto the Scout uniform by the Springbok Scout's choice of presenter, this could be their Troop Scouter, the District Commissioner or any Adult Leader of the Scout's choosing, or one of the Scout's parents for that matter. In one Troop, the last Springbok Scout in the Troop to achieve the Springbok Award presents the new Springbok Scout with their badge, as a symbol of continuation of Springboks in the Troop.

The Springbok Presentation Ceremony

There is no set laid out ceremony for the presentation of either a Springbok Scout badge or a Springbok Award certificate. The ceremonies that are most enjoyable to all in attendance are those which have used a little imagination and have taken an individual approach to the occasion. Ceremonies expertly conducted for the presentation of the Springbok Scout Award badge / certificate provides the opportunity to showcase to the community at large what our Scout training programme is about and how proud we are of our young people. The ceremony is conducted in a formal and professional manner and with the appropriate decorum. The ceremony reflects our best efforts to show we hold the Springbok Award in high esteem - the Springbok Award Presentation Ceremony must match the Award. For the presentation of the Springbok Scout badge and Springbok Award certificate, the Springbok Scout renews the Scout Promise before receiving the Springbok badge/certificate. This serves as a reminder to the Springbok Scout of the promise and commitment made when first invested as Scout to continue to live according to the values of the Scout Promise and Law as they continue along life's path. Many Regions arrange a special Springbok Award Presentation Ceremony at which the Springbok Award certificate is presented to the Springbok Scouts and to which parents, friends and relatives are invited – this may take the form of a special function or can be done at the Regional Annual Review Meeting, a Regional Awards event, an annual Regional Springbok Parade, or a special Regional Springbok Award Dinner. Wherever possible, the Springbok Award certificate is presented by the Chief Scout. Where necessary, the Chief Scout may appoint the Chief Commissioner, the Regional Commissioner, or another suitable person to present the certificate on their behalf. Whoever presents the Springbok Award badge / certificate(s) should speak about the achievement this award represents and the effort that has been put in to become a Springbok Scout. Ensure that the Springbok Award recipient realises not only the pride with which the Springbok Scout badge and certificate is presented, but also the responsibility attached to the award, the good example the Springbok Scout should be for others, particularly in upholding the values of the Scout Promise and Law.

What if the Springbok Scout Cannot Attend?

If a Springbok Scout is unable to attend the special ceremony to receive the Springbok Award certificate from the Chief Scout, or nominee, the parents may be presented with the certificate.

Springbok Presentation Traditions

Different Troops have different traditions when it comes to Springbok presentations. Here are some that have been submitted by Springbok Scouts who recently received their Springbok badge and certificate:

The Scout Promise

There is only one mandatory requirement at a Springbok Presentation, and that is the Springbok Scout must renew the Scout Promise. A recall of the promise made right at the start, at the Scout's investiture into the Movement, and an acknowledgement and commitment to continue to uphold the Scout Promise and Law through life. It is common practice that the Troop Scouter and the Springbok Scout stand facing one another, and the Troop flag is held horizontally in between them, both hold their left hand on the flag and they make the Scout sign It is suggested that the flag bearer face the audience and the Springbok Scout and Troop Scouter stand side-on to the invited guests, as nobody wants to view the back end of a Springbok Scout whilst the Promise is being renewed. It is preferable that the left side of the Springbok Scout is facing the guests and in that way their face is not hidden by the arm/hand when making the Scout sign. By now, at this stage of the Scout's journey, the Springbok Scout knows the Scout Promise off by heart and can recite it with confidence, and loudly so that all can hear. If the Springbok Scout is nervous or lacking in confidence, the Troop Scouter may say the Scout Promise line by line and the Springbok Scout repeats after the TS. However, it is far preferred if the Springbok renews the Scout Promise alone. Before the Scout Promise is renewed, everybody, including all invited guests, are requested to stand up. All Scouts and Adult Leaders in uniform are requested to make the Scout Sign whilst the Promise is being renewed.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

As part of the Scout Investiture Ceremony at the start of the Scout's journey along the Scout trail, ten candles are often lit representing the ten parts of the Scout Law. Usually the Patrol Leader(s) recite each Scout Law represented by the candle that is being lit. This is often repeated at the Springbok Presentation. The candles are lit before the Scout Promise is renewed, and an alternative is for the Springbok Scout to light each candle and recite each Law as opposed to the PLs. Another idea; instead of candles, ten roses can be used which then make up a bouquet that gets given to the Springbok Scout or their Mom. "This reminded my Scouts what it all comes back to, which is the Scout Promise and Law lighting our lives as we strive to be the best we can be through living our lives in accordance with the Scout Promise and Law. It was a full circle moment and I think an important reminder of what Scouting and Springbok is all about."

Springbok Honours Board

Some Scout Troops have a Springbok Honours Board hanging up in their Troop meeting place, recording all the Springbok Scouts, as well as King Scouts and Queen Scouts from years gone by, who have brought honour to the Troop in achieving the top Scout award. It is most interesting to read the names on the boards, some of which are quite significant as they have gone on to become great leaders within their communities. The name of the latest Springbok Scout to grace the board is engraved prior to the Springbok Presentation and covered up with a Troop scarf, and at some point during the proceedings the Springbok Scout gets to reveal the board showing the name of the latest Springbok Scout. A nice idea is that the youngest (newly invested) Cub / Scout present is lifted to the board by the Springbok Scout to unveil the new Springbok's name on the board. "I remember looking up to Springbok Scouts and seeing how much of an honour it was, that was the day I decided I wanted to be one too!"

Springbok Flag

In addition to, or instead of, an honours board, some Troops have a special Springbok flag. When the Springbok receives the award two badges are presented, one for the Scout uniform and one that gets put onto the Springbok flag, along with all the other Springbok Scouts in the Troop that came before.

Guard of Honour

Once the Springbok badge has been presented and the honours board is going to be revealed, all the Scouts present stand opposite each other to create a walkway up to the board, a guard of honour, for the Springbok Scout to walk through and they clap and cheer and shake the new Sprinbok Scout's hand as the Springbok walks up to reveal the honours board.

Recognition by Springbok Scouts

All the Springbok Scouts in attendance at the presentation are called up to the front to congratulate the new Springbok Scout.

Thanks to Mom and Dad

The Scout may present, as is custom in some Scout Troops, a replica Springbok Scout metal pin badge to their Mother and/or Father, or a Springbok badge for Mom and a Springbok tie for Dad, in recognition of the support and encouragement that the Springbok Scout received from them along their Springbok Journey.

PowerPoint Presentation

The journey to Springbok does not only start when a Scout registers to start working towards the final Springbok Activities that will culminate in the achievement of the Springbok Award. The Springbok Journey starts the moment the Scout repeats the Scout Promise and is invested as a Scout. It is great to show the Scouting trail that the Springbok Scout has walked, hiked, camped, and climbed in the form of a fun PowerPoint presentation of photographs and highlights of the Springbok Scout's Scouting Journey. It is even better to set the visual presentation to music.

Speeches

What would a presentation be without speeches? It is customary for a member of the Troop, the Troop Scouters, or fellow Scouts (or both) to say a few words about the Springbok Scout (keep it positive and, remember that not everyone in the audience is privy to 'inside jokes') Make it fun and interesting, telling interesting stories about the Springbok Scout. The speech could be made along with a PowerPoint presentation. The Springbok Scout, having had some practice at public speaking as a Springbok requirement, also gets the chance to make a speech. This is always a great opportunity to publicly acknowledge those who have assisted along the Springbok Journey and to thank them for their assistance, guidance, and support. In addition, this is a great opportunity for the Springbok Scout to impart some words of wisdom that will inspire other Scouts to get their Springbok too. How long should a speech be? – Shorter than you think! Most importantly, keep the speeches short and sweet – no more than 15 minutes combined for all speakers!! And don't have too many. The maximum number of people standing up and speaking in front of the invited guests should be three. People have not come to the Springbok Presentation to hear speeches. Don't let the presentation become boring!!

A Gift for the Springbok Scout

In addition to the Springbok Scout badge, the Springbok Scout may be presented with a small memento of the auspicious occasion. This brings their Springbok Journey to a fitting end and gives them a useful item to remember it all by. Some examples:

- An axe with engraved with the 'Springbok Scout' and the name of the recipient and the date achieved.
- A hand-made wooden tent peg with the Springbok Scout's name and "Springbok Scout" engraved or written on it.
- A framed 'Springbok Memory' including a Troop scarf, all the Advancement / theme badges, Springbok badge and a photo of the Springbok Scout.
- An item of camping / hiking gear or a specially engraved knife.
- Or how about an appropriate gift of a pair of Springbok socks?

A Gift for the Troop

In most, if not all, cases, as mentioned previously, the Springbok Scout would not have achieved the highest Scout Award without the assistance of members of their Scout Troop. It is fitting that the Springbok Scout present their Troop with a gift as a token of appreciation of the hard work and support and for all the effort put into helping achieve the Springbok Award.

Plant a Tree

Scouting is all about the outdoors and the environment. Why not plant a 'Springbok Tree' at the Scout meeting place to commemorate the auspicious occasion. Hopefully over time there will be Springbok forest in the Scout hall grounds.

Refreshments and a Springbok Cake

There are usually refreshments on offer after the Springbok Presentation – it's a party after all! Cake, balloons, and music! And in some cases, even a braai. A special Springbok cake is served, iced, or decorated with a Springbok badge, to be enjoyed by everyone after the ceremony.

Springbok Logs

A copy of the Springbok Activity logs and reports, pioneering model, photographs, and any other visual aids to bring the Springbok Journey to life in the form of a display is set out to give the Scouts, and in particular the next Springbok in line, encouragement, and a guideline to work with. It is also great for the parents and guests to see what is involved, all the hard work and effort, in achieving the Springbok Award.

A Venue with a Difference

The presentation of the Springbok badge does not have to take place at a formal ceremony inside the Troop meeting place. It can take place on camp, on top of a mountain or at a special Springbok Campfire.

Those are just some suggestions to help you to plan your Springbok Presentation. One does not need to adopt all the above suggestions – pick those which appeal to you or start your own Troop traditions for your future Springbok Presentations. Think outside the box – do something different! Whatever you choose to do, make it special and make it memorable!

Thank you to the following Springbok Scouts for their help with the above suggestions: Capucine Wiroth 9th / 16th Cape Town, Western Cape, Eduard Plint 5th Hillcrest/Colbyn, Gauteng, Emma Belcher 2nd Bergvliet Sea Scouts, Western Cape, Jason Bailie 1st Bedfordview, Gauteng, Jenna Davis 41st Pretoria (Parks), Gauteng, Jenna Evans 1st Edenvale, Gauteng, Kaylee Fittock Durbanville / Kraaifontein Sea Scouts, Western Cape, Millicent Makoni 1st Greenside, Gauteng, Morgan Jones, 2nd Boksburg, Gauteng, Nicola Joseph 1st Discovery, Gauteng, Pieter Janse Van Rensburg, 1st Somerset West, Western Cape Sai Ehrhardt 9th / 16th Cape Town, Western Cape, Simon Pienaar, 1st Bryanston, Gauteng, Vincent Campbell 1st Honeydew, Gauteng.

As Baden Powell said, "No one can pass through life, any more than he can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those coming after him in finding their way." May the tracks you leave behind be a path for future Scouts to follow!