Last year we were privileged to welcome Thomas Meyer back to the Scout Movement as a member of our Scout Board. Thomas is no stranger to Scouting, so we took a moment to hear from him how Scouting, camping and adventure prepared him to be a finance expert.
“When I joined 14th Pretoria (DELP) as a Cub in 1979, I could never have imagined just how deeply Scouting would shape the course of my life. After a youth full of adventure and camping, I went on to earn my Springbok in 1988 and later my Chief Scout Award, milestones I remain incredibly proud of. But more than the badges or awards, it was the journey itself that left a lasting imprint on me,” explains Thomas.
“When I think back on my time as a Scout there are many memories, but the one that counts is camping! I can add that when I was not camping, I was thinking of camping. I also remember that the only book (apart from Asterix) I ever read cover to cover before my 18th birthday, was “Scout Pioneering, by John Sweet” – and I did not only read it once! I learned so many skills as a Scout. The most useful thing probably relates to people skills. The concept of a Patrol, where members of different ages learn from each other is certainly unique and very effective. It also gives the opportunity to slowly grow into leadership positions with the necessary support on the way. Another aspect was planning or project management, and then of course things like cooking, first-aid and reading a map. Scouting had a profound impact on my personal development. The principle of “learning by doing,” especially in the company of peers, creates an environment where growth happens naturally – often without you even realising it. The experiences and knowledge I gained through Scouting instilled in me a quiet confidence and a readiness to take on challenges, both big and small. It laid a strong foundation for how I approach tasks, relationships, and leadership today.”
Professionally, Thomas is a sustainable finance expert at DEG (Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH) where he focuses on facilitating development-oriented funding initiatives across Africa. Over the years, he held various senior roles across the financial services, investment, NGO, and banking sectors. He is a Chartered Accountant – CA(SA), a Fellow of the South African Institute of Financial Markets (SAIFM), and an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. He has also served on the boards of various nonprofit organisations, particularly those dedicated to faith-based work, children, and youth development. His ongoing pursuit of knowledge and support to youth development highlight a love for learning and respect for personal growth.
When you invest in people, everything else tends to fall into place.
“I love to learn and experience new things. Whether that comes from Scouting or whether Scouting was a great way of learning and exploring, I don’t know. What I do know, is that I learnt and explored a lot as a Scout, which made me very happy”, he says with a smile. “In fact, the values and skills I learnt then, still guide me today. One of the most enduring lessons I took from Scouting is the importance of people – both the team as a whole and, more importantly, the individual. No matter how complex or large the task, success ultimately depends on the people who carry it out. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for people, and while I tend to be more introverted by nature, I find great fulfilment in supporting others and watching them grow. When you invest in people, everything else tends to fall into place.”
When asked how he feels about coming back to Scouting after all these years, he lights up and says: “I am very excited. It feels like I’m 15 again! I truly treasure my Scouting days. The experiences, friendships, and lessons have stayed with me throughout my life, and I genuinely wish that every young person could have the opportunity to be part of something so enriching. I’m looking forward to meeting many Scouts and supporters – whether to chat about Scouting or simply to share ideas and stories about the world around us.”
With his experience in financial governance Thomas brings a wealth of experience to the Scout Board. “While most aspects of life require financial resources – and Scouting is no exception – my goal as a Board Member is to help build a sustainable financial framework that ensures no child is excluded from the Movement due to a lack of funding. Scouting should be accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. I’m committed to working toward a future where financial barriers are removed, and every young person could benefit from what Scouting offers. Having spent time in the NGO Sector, I’ve come to appreciate that every Rand donated carries the potential to make a difference. However, what’s not always visible to donors is how effectively that funding is used, or how much more could be achieved with strategic investment. Spending on youth development, particularly through a values-driven movement like Scouting, has a profound multiplier effect. It not only equips young people with practical skills and strong moral foundations but also nurtures the kind of leadership our country needs to face future challenges. Supporting Scouting is not just a donation—it’s an investment in the leaders of tomorrow.”