Connor Nicholl awarded Springbok Scout title

Connor Nicholl, a grade 12 pupil and SRC member at Blouberg International School, has achieved the highest honour in South African Scouting: The Springbok Award.

He is a member of the 1st Milnerton Sea Scouts and said he is the first Scout from his troop in more than 23 years to attain this prestigious accolade. 

The award is earned by only a small fraction of Scouts nationwide and represents years of service, skill-building, and personal growth, said Mr Nicholl.

“While other Scouts across the country also achieve this level, it’s a deeply meaningful milestone for our troop and for me personally. It represents years of dedication, service, and growth,” he said.

Mr Nicholl began his Scouting journey in 2014 at age 7, progressing through Cubs, where he earned the Leaping Wolf, the highest Cub award, before advancing to Scouts.

Over the years, he has earned many badges, attending leadership courses, and learning to sail, he said.

“Back then, joining the Scouts felt like mingling with giants. But they were so welcoming, and I quickly fell in love with it. Sailing and the challenges of earning badges became some of my favourite parts,” he said.

The road to the Springbok Award is both rigorous and rewarding.

After completing all Scout advancements, ranging from communication skills and leadership development to advanced outdoor survival techniques, candidates must complete several major projects and challenges.

One of Mr Nicholl’s final requirements included planning and executing a three-day sailing expedition on a Scout-class dinghy, navigating with three fellow Scouts and camping on the shores of Theewaterskloof Dam.

“We had to carry all our equipment with us and camp along the way. The wind was pumping  - I was nervous we might capsize. But we planned carefully, worked as a team, and made it through,” he said.

He said the experience speaks to the heart of what Scouting is all about -  leadership, resilience, and service.

“The Scouting movement helps young people grow and learn valuable life skills like leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and cultural awareness. These are things you carry into adulthood.”

As an ambassador for the movement, Mr Nicholl encourages other youth to consider joining Scouts. 

“It teaches you to believe that you can leave the world better than you found it - and that you have the power to do just that,” he said.

1st Milnerton Scouts spokeswoman Amilinda Wilkinson said the last time that the 1st Milnerton Scouts awarded a Springbok Award was 23 years ago in 2002, so this is a momentous celebration for the entire group.

She said Mr Nicholl joined the Scout movement just before his seventh birthday as a Cub, and then joined the Scouts at age 11.

 Now, at 18, he continues to serve the Troop as a Cub Instructor and is still involved with Scout programmes and activities, too, whilst preparing for his final matric exams, she said.

“Connor plans to pursue a Bachelors of Accounting or Finance after school, but the ultimate dream is to own a charter company and sail many yachts due to his love of sailing and the open water - a love that started and grew at Scouts.”

If you would like to become part of the 1st Milnerton Sea Scouts, contact them at  021 685 8420.

The Cubs meet every Friday from 5.15pm until 7pm at the Scouts hall at 1 Ascot Road, Milnerton, and later the Scouts gather from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.