According to our records, only two years after the inception of the Boy Scouts,  W. H. Mabley registered the then “Dove Patrol” on the 1st June 1909. This was to become the first Benoni Troop with Mr. Mabley recorded as its first scout master by the end of the year. Little is known of the early days of this first Troop but it seems to have been formed through the Sons of England Society and held their parades at the Benoni Municipal grounds. In 1917 with the formation of the Wolf Cub Pack the 1^st Benoni HQ was listed as 207 Elston Ave, Benoni. It seems that this is where the Troop and Pack met in those early days.

 An article appears in the “Reveille” The Transvaal Boy Scouts Magazine – Vol 3, Dated December 1918 sent in by W de la Hunt, 1^st Benoni Scoutmaster. Our first photo of the 1^st Benoni Troop also appears.

On the 2^nd November 1917, 1^st Benoni Wolf Cub Pack was registered by Mr Clarence Yallop, barely a year after its inception in England in 1916.

The 1970’s

Up to this point the 1st Benoni Troop had been meeting at the Sons of England Hall in Harpur Ave, next to the fire station. Unfortunately in August 1973 the lease expired and The Benoni municipality bought the property for the extension of the Benoni Fire Station. The Scouts had to find new premises and according to Scout Master Mr. T O’Kelly the Group moved out to a hall at New Modder which unfortunately did not work out. By 1976 the Group moved into the old Abattoir on Railway Street and remained there until the early 80’s. Unfortunately this was an old building and in a state of disrepair. By this time it became evident that a permanent hall was needed and the idea of a Scout Hall began.

 It was at this time that the Benoni Sailing club was built next to Arrowe Park and a few Scout parents were members. It was this interest that steered the group into becoming a Sea Scout Group. On the 27^th September 1971 an application was approved and the 1^st Benoni Troop became 1^st Benoni Sea Scout Group. Meetings at this time alternated between the Old Abattoir and Homestead Dam. 

The Group at Present

Presently the Troop is strong with a fully functional Committee and strong parent support.  The Troop currently has 5 Warranted Scouters with another adult on the verge of being invested into the Troop.

 Pack and Troop meetings are well supported.  The Group has more than 35 invested Scouts and more than 20 invested Cubs.  The strength of the Cub pack has helped to grow the numbers in the Troop, with all Cubs going up to Scouts staying in the Troop.

 Apart from a fair stock of pioneering and camping equipment the Group has a well stocked boat shed consisting of various flat water and white water canoes, 3 plastic moulded Whaler Dinghies, several Mirrors and Dabchicks, a Laser, Gypsey, Fireball, Halcat and a Gig.  The Group also has a good stock of paddles, life jackets and canoe helmets.