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Bear Grylls 'super-proud' to lead UK's Scouts
11/07/2009
Bear Grylls officially became the Chief Scout of the United Kingdom on Saturday 11 July – cheered on by nearly 3,000 Explorer Scouts.
The official handover between Peter Duncan (Chief Scout from 2004-2009) and Bear took place at 9.30am at Gilwell 24, an adventure camp for 14-18 year olds.
They tackled activities from climbing to zorbing while staying awake for 24 hours.
'An extraordinary five years'
An explosion and purple and green pyrotechnics signalled the start of an emotionally charged handover that heralded in a new era for Scouting.
‘It’s been an extraordinary five years,’ Peter told the crowds after accepting the thanks of Mike Gooderson, Scouting’s Chairman. ‘When you start off in life, you don’t expect to be Chief Scout.’
He also reflected on some of the achievements during his time as Chief. ‘The Movement has grown. We have more Explorers and more volunteers. But it’s the little moments you remember. I was with a Group in Bristol with some disabled Scouts. Each one had someone looking after them and there was real passion and commitment there – that’s what Scouting is about.’ Peter also talked of the Jamboree as a highpoint, and Scouting’s impact around the world.
A promise of adventure
While the rain held off, Peter called for some hush before leading Bear through the Promise. Rather than just a handshake, the two exchanged a ‘bear hug’ in a great show of friendship, unity and continuity.
Bear struck a highly personal note in his acceptance speech: ‘My late dad said two things matter in life: follow your dreams and look after your friends. This is what I love about Scouting: ambition, dreams, and 24 hour madness! It’s about doing great things, loving and enjoying the great adventures and helping others to do the same.’
Looking ahead to his time as Chief, it was clear that Bear is not afraid to speak up for young people. ’When people come up to me and say ‘Young people today . . .’ I say you don’t see what I see. I see 3,000 people full of fun, adventure and excitement. I’m so proud to wear B-P’s Silver Wolf, but more importantly, the scarf. Good luck and God speed.’
'A great choice'
A shower of confetti ended the ceremony, but began the marathon of activities. ‘There are hardly any tents around Gilwell Park,’ Matt, 22, an Explorer Scout Leader pointed out, ‘because no one is planning to go to sleep!’
‘I think Bear is a great choice for Chief,’ said Allie, 16, an Explorer Scout from Middlesex. ‘He is very adventurous and focussed on the outdoors. I thought his stories were really good – he came across as very genuine and heartfelt.’
‘He’s bringing a fresh approach and real excitement,’ said Matt. ‘It’s great someone so well known has such a positive attitude towards young people.’
Bear spent time with the Scouts, and of course, couldn’t resist trying some of the activities for himself – scaling the climbing wall and spinning off in an inflatable zorb ball. ‘That was so much fun,’ he said, clambering out - I think Scouts should try and break the world record for zorbing!’
Comments
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By Yvonne Watson
on 11/07/2009 17:47 At 08.30 this morning we had a call from our youngest explorer, 'I'm just off to meet Bear Grylls' and the excitement in his voice said it all.
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By Matthew Robinson
on 11/07/2009 20:29 I was there, I'm still there (I'm on the PC's in the 'internet cafe' here at Gilwell 24!!), and it was a truly historic event to watch, only happened a few times in the past 100 years of Scouting so I'm glad I caught it..
Now, back to the fun activities, and lack of sleep :-)!
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By rob redfern
on 12/07/2009 13:25 Great to see Bear invested. Fantastic weekend!
The Beavers rock.
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By Siobhan Smith
on 12/07/2009 13:37 What another brilliant choice for our Chief Scout, if anyone can bring fun and adventure to the outdoors, it had to be Bear.
Siobhan - B/L
3rd Daventry Scout Troup
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By Netty
on 12/07/2009 19:35 Fantastic weekend, great to see Bear Grylls and his family enjoying many activities with the young people at G24. A brilliant choice of Chief Scout.
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By John Dell
on 12/07/2009 20:40 I was there at the change over with my Explorer @ 24, Bear is the going to put Scouting on the map. My Thanks also go to Peter who helped to bring Scouting back into the lime light and move it forward. Heres for the future of Scouting.
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By Adam towler
on 12/07/2009 21:16 I was right at the front. It was a very good event!!!!
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By alex rusiecki
on 12/07/2009 21:25 i was there watching omg just like to say that the hot chocolates tht chubbys made with the chocolate sprinkles the cream and the marshmellows was amazing.
yhh it was great there i met so many people there i am one of the youngest explorers in the country nd i thought tht was one of the best experiances in my life shame it rained 24/7 .
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By Mandy Flunder
on 13/07/2009 09:12 I wasn't able to be there this weekend- just wanted to say a big thanks to the leaders I met in the local Tescos on Sunday morning who showed me there pictures! Looks like everyone had a great time!!
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By Barrie Dando
on 13/07/2009 12:30 Wow what an amazing 24hrs. I can see Bear doing so much for our 'family'. It was a real honnour to see the handover and i wish him all the best in his time as Chief Scout. some of my explorers were lucky enough to meet him and even get there t-shirts signed. Many thanks to all of the explorers who attended for making G24 one of the most worthwhile events for me. Seeing all those happy scouts is what its all about.
Baz (captain orca)
Orca pod
NDESU
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By james bolton
on 14/07/2009 10:17 the 24 hour camp was great with the added part of seeing the official handover for bear. thanks to gillwell for putting on a wounderful camp.
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By Jess - SCAFELL (cow Print climbing lot)
on 15/07/2009 11:33 Having re-rolled Peter Duncans Necker at Windsor 2008, G24 was the chance to Harness him up and send him on the High ropes, then getting to give Bear Grylls his Helmit, and to harness his son up later that same day! WOW! top weekend! just a shame about the lack of speakers for those at the back of the croud at 9.30am.
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By Robert Tyler (KENT SCOUTS!)
on 16/07/2009 14:39 His speech really touched everyone i would say, but peter ducan, sorry mate but i think you must of felt down when you didnt get a massive applause like Bear! Bear what a legend :) He will turn scouting into a different Prospective
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