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Scout survivors

04/08/2010

Eight Scouts enjoyed the adventure of a lifetime last weekend as they joined Chief Scout Bear Grylls for a 24-hour survival camp on his own island.

The Scouts abseiled off a cliff, learned to fight fires and skinned dead rabbits. During the evening, they gathered round a campfire and swapped Scouting stories. 

Rowan from Edinburgh said it was ‘an amazing adventure – the Gold Award was great but this is massive!’ Truro Scout Hannah echoed that sentiment: ‘I’ve had so much fun- I can’t believe it went so quickly! The Gold Award was hard but this was really exhausting.’

Outdoor skills

The Chief Scout himself was hugely impressed with their efforts: ‘All the Scouts who joined me this weekend showed great energy and commitment in learning some real adventure skills in outdoor survival,’ he said.

The lucky eight were chosen from hundreds of applicants from all over the UK. Each had proven themselves worthy of the experience by completing their Chief Scout’s Gold Award. The winners were chosen based on personal testimonies on completing the Award and recommendations from leaders.

Volunteer tribute

At the end of the Camp, Bear paid homage to the ‘motivation and enthusiasm’ which the young people have already displayed in gaining the Gold Award and was quick to highlight the important role played by adult volunteers.

‘I pay tribute to those Scouting leaders who gave up their time to help these Scouts achieve their goals. Scouting represents all that is great about life: opportunity, adventure and camaraderie. That is why I so encourage young people and adults from all walks of life to get involved and join in the adventure.’

Join

Scouting currently has a shortfall of adult volunteers, with over 30,000 young people waiting to share incredible experiences. It’s easy to join.

 

 

Comments

By Liam English - 16th Morecambe Scouts on 04/08/2010 18:54 I had a fantastic 48 hours, many thanks go to the leaders that looked after us the night before the camp. Thanks to Bear and his crew, we had the trip of a lifetime. Must mention my own 16th Morecambe group, thanks to Alan Hague, Chris Stephenson and Chris Dixon who all support all of the Scout Group and encourage us to participate and do our best, they put in many hours of their own time looking after us all. I would encourage anyone to take up Scouting or become a volunteer at a local group - a worthwhile cause with so many different opportunities. I will never look at a woodlouse in the same way - thanks to the other 7 scouts for great company - BRILLIANT !!!!

By Neil Mc on 06/08/2010 22:01 A huge thanks to Bear and the organisers of the competition. My troop were clamoring for their Gold Award and were amazed when one of our own was chosen.

By jeffrey parry=APL 2nd patchway on 07/08/2010 17:26 well done to all,this wk-end will stay with u 4 a long long time,what an experience 4 u young people,and with Bear,thanks 2 him its given our scouts some thing 2 aim 4,thanks Bear 4 giving all those scouters a great wk-end.

By Rowan Whitton 82nd Inverleith (Cramond) Scouts on 16/08/2010 18:26 It was a great experience, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks to everyone in the group, it was good to share the adventure with you. Thanks to Bear for being Bear and taking the time to show us some survival stuff. Meeting him was definately the highlight, and now I've got the Queens Scout award in my sights.