Scouting in Lusaka

From Great North Road

As a pre-teen in 1957-59, I was a member of the Scout Troop that met at the Woodlands School hall in Lusaka. Despite the Scouting motto "Be Prepared", Eric Sayer the local Scout Master was not prepared for my misadventures.

On more than one occasion, I tested the mettle of the Scout leaders. A la Crocodile Dundee, I pulled a sheath knife, during a ruckus I was embroiled in, and threw it at the feet of my antagonist, resulting in an instant dismissal from the troop.

After a couple of weeks, I received a call from Mr. Sayer calling me back to the troop. Despite a second chance, it was only a matter of time that I returned to my old ways (without my knife as it was confiscated for good.)At a local Jamboree, I decided to take issue with the leadership, and not getting my own way headed into the bush. A search party located me around midnight and I was unceremoniously driven home by Mr. Sayer to good old Mum and Dad. Talk about a cool welcome.

Two weeks later, I received the call to meet with Mr. Sayer and again he gave me another chance. This time though, I lost my badges, and was not allowed to wear my hat and to add further injury to my pride, I was not part of a patrol.

Not only was Mr. Sayer active in Scouting, but I recollect he was an active Rotarian, being a Scottish Episcopalian. I really knew little about the Rotary Club.

My action packed Scouting career was short lived as my parents sent me into exile to St. Stephens College, Balla Balla, Rhodesia. The only member of the troop I remember was Brian Todd. Brian followed a different drummer to me and was a first class Scout with an arm full of badges.

It was only years later, that I started to appreciate the many chances that Mr. Sayer had given me. Over the past twenty years as my own sons grew up, I have been active with a Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where on more than one occasion I have given a cadet a second chance.

I also found out about the great works that Rotary do in the community. My service to the community has been through the Kiwanis Club.

Ron, the next time you are talking with your Dad, please let him know that I am not in jail, and that I will always be indebted to him for giving me so many chances and that I said thank you.

Eric Sayer, is a giant amongst men, a great Scouter, and one of my heroes.

PS: Shortly after being sent of to St. Stephens, on a visit home, Hank, one of the Scout Leaders gave me back my knife. He also made a new sheaf made with leather from an elephant’s ear.

Contributed by Ken Miller

February 2002