Meet our Awesome Troop Scouter Craig Burchell-Burger

On Friday evenings, it is very hard to miss the cheerful and positive demeanor of our awesome Troop Scouter, Craig Burchell-Burger. Not only are we lucky enough to reap the rewards of his lifetime of Scouting experience, but we also have the benefit of his skill set as a Commander in the South African Navy! Here's a bit more about Craig in his own words:

"My Scouting journey started when I became a Cub at 7 years old, with the 1st Gordon's Bay pack. I went on to become a Scout at 11 years old, at the same troop. As a Scout, I learnt some fantastic skills, made great friends and got out and about into the outdoors. Some of my fondest memories was going to the Sea Scout Base with my patrol for a weekend of sailing and canoeing. I became the Patrol Leader of the Sandpipers patrol at 13 years old and went on to becoming the Troop Leader at 17 years old. I was incredibly fortunate to be awarded my "Bosun's Cord" challenge award and I achieved the top Scouting award in South Africa, namely the Springbok award.

It was at this stage that I applied to join the SA Navy and was whisked away to do basics course in Saldanha and officers course in Gordon's Bay. After the training was complete, I continued my Scouting journey as an adult at 1st Gordon's Bay Sea Scouts, in the Assistant Troop Scouter position. I got very involved at the Sea Scout Base as the Base Bosun and spent several years maintaining boats. It was during this period that continued pressure from Richard Storey, the Troop Scouter of 1st Muizenberg, and a physical move from Somerset West to Muizenberg, saw me transfer from 1st Gordon's Bay to 1st Muizenberg as an Assistant Troop Scouter. After a few years, Richard stepped down as the Troop Scouter and took up the Group Scouter position. The next thing I knew, I was gladly accepting the position of Troop Scouter of 1st Muizenberg.

1st Muizenberg continues to strive towards excellence by empowering our Scouts with skills and knowledge. We have grown in capacity and with our increased numbers, we are hinging on opening a sixth patrol namely the Sandpipers. I look forward to several more years as Troop Scouter and thank all my Assistant Troop Scouters for their hard work, support and encouragement."

Thank you Craig, your wealth of experience and go-getter attitude continues to encourage our Scouts to great heights and we are lucky to have you as part of the 1st Muizenberg Sea Scout Group!