The Chief Scout’s Appeal: A chance to belong

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I became Chief Scout.

I remember that September day at Scout Park, north London, so clearly – around the campfire, remaking my Promise, with young people and volunteers cheering me on.

As the sun came up on our camp, and the TV trucks started rolling in, I can’t pretend that I wasn’t daunted about the task ahead.

But you, our Scouts and volunteers, have made it so much easier for me. I’ve had the privilege of visiting Scout events in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England in my first year. And at every camp, jamboree, adventure centre and meeting, I’ve had such an incredible welcome, support and acceptance.

I’ve met inspirational young people like ChorKiu, who said getting outdoors as part of Scouts helped calm her stress. I spoke with Yehor, who arrived in the UK after being evacuated from Ukraine and found a sense of belonging. And Lucy, who used skills she’d learned at Scouts to help save her grandad’s life.

I’m so proud of our volunteers and what they do for our young people, giving them the encouragement and self belief they need. That’s why, one year on, I want to do something special.

Why am I launching my appeal?

This week, I’m launching my first Chief Scout’s Appeal.

I’m asking those outside our movement to give us a helping hand, either by volunteering or making a donation to give more young people a chance to belong.

I want to use this anniversary to launch a special appeal so we can give even more young people the same chance I had when I was a shy kid in north London, struggling to make friends, and connect with the outdoors. I’ll never forget the kindness, and encouragement I felt when I walked through the door at my first Scout meeting.

Why now?

Too many young people are growing up in families facing real challenges. The struggles are everywhere: rising cost of living, as well as limited access to safe places to play.

Add the pressure to succeed and the impact of social media, and it’s no wonder so many young people feel overwhelmed and anxious.

How long does the appeal run for?

The appeal runs from early September into the autumn, and you might see some activity around this. As well as asking for help to give young people a chance to belong, it’s a moment to celebrate the amazing work you, our volunteers, do.

This appeal will help us:

• open new Groups in more communities, particularly those where young people are missing out,
• support and train more volunteers, and
• remove financial barriers that prevent families from joining.

Thank you for all the support you’ve given me, and for everything you do to support young people.