Dwayne Fields, the newly appointed UK Chief Scout, made a memorable first visit to Hampshire to attend the renowned Basingstoke Gang Show. In a moment of celebration and recognition, he took to the stage at The Haymarket Theatre to present the prestigious Cornwell Scout Badge to an outstanding young Scout, Max Edney.
The Cornwell Scout Badge is one of the highest honours in Scouting, awarded to young people who demonstrate exceptional courage and commitment in the face of adversity. Max Edney, a 12-year-old Scout from 1st Chineham (Basingstoke East) Scout Group, has exemplified these qualities through his inspiring fundraising efforts and resilience despite living with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease.
Max’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born with a condition that causes his bones to fracture easily, Max has faced immense physical challenges. However, his determination to make a difference has led him to raise an incredible £142,115.61 for the Brittle Bone Society, a charity close to his heart. Through his fundraising efforts, including completing a marathon-length cycle ride, Max has not only raised awareness about his condition but has also inspired many others to take action.
As the curtains closed on another outstanding Basingstoke Gang Show, Dwayne Fields took centre stage to recognise Max’s achievements in front of a packed audience. The applause was deafening as he presented Max with the Cornwell Scout Badge, honouring his extraordinary contributions to both Scouting and his wider community.
Paul Bell, County Lead Volunteer for Hampshire Scouts said:
It is absolutely amazing for a young person from Hampshire to be recognised with this Award, only three of which were issued in the United Kingdom last year. When I first heard about Max’s story I recognised that Max deserved immense recognition for his efforts. It was fantastic to meet Max’s family last night who were all incredibly proud of Max’s achievements. Hampshire is very grateful that Dwayne attended the Gang Show last night in order to present the Award personally.
The Basingstoke Gang Show, now in its 45th year, continues to be a beacon of creativity and community spirit. This year’s production was no exception, with an electrifying mix of song, dance, and comedy that showcased the immense talent of local Scouts and Guides. The cast of 70 put on a show that will be remembered for years to come, leaving audiences thoroughly entertained and inspired.
Max’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the impact one person can make. His receipt of the Cornwell Scout Badge serves as an inspiration to Scouts everywhere, proving that with courage and dedication, anything is possible.
For those who wish to witness the magic of the Basingstoke Gang Show, performances continue at The Haymarket Theatre throughout the school half-term holidays until Saturday (22nd February 2025). Tickets can be booked at anvilarts.org.uk/events/basingstoke-gang-show.
Pushing yourself to the limit, meeting new people, and developing life skills. All at Hampshire Scouts Speak Up.
An eager group of young people from Scouts troops and Explorer Units from across Hampshire joined together at the county’s activity centre, Ferny Crofts, to build life skills like confidence by getting out of their comfort zones and shouting about Scouting.
Taking place over a weekend in February, Hampshire Scouts Speak Up teaches young people how to tell their stories of Scouting experiences, adventures and trips to the media and our community.
Jess, a 16 year old Explorer Scout from Portsmouth, told us about the weekend:
“My favourite bit was completing the Jacob’s Ladder; it felt really rewarding to finish it by reaching the top, high above the ground, with my team-mate climbing up each hanging beam.”
Niamh, a 15 year old Explorer Scout from Basingstoke, said:
“It was interesting to learn about how to answer the more difficult questions and getting to know new people. I arrived here not having met anyone, but now I’ve made new friends.”
Cam, a 14 year Explorer Scout from Portsmouth, told us about some of the activities during the weekend:
“We looked to our local media like newspapers and radio and learned about who their audience is. It was really interesting, especially as we found out in an interactive way by playing different wide games around Ferny Crofts to find all the tools we need.”
Not everyone faced their fears with Jacob’s Ladder, others got to know their team and their own personal strength at Tomahawk throwing including Ashleigh, a 15 year old Explorer Scout from Fleet:
“It was nerve-wracking at first, especially in front of a group of people I barely know, but by the end I’d got better at it and made friends as we went along too. It was great fun.”
After a day and a half of building their skills, the young people put it into practice and earned their activity badges by experimenting with great videos and photography, recording their own sound bites, and writing this very article!
Altogether, thanks to the help of the expert volunteer team, this group of Scouts have walked away with important and long-lasting skills for life.
You too can be part of the fun by volunteering or joining the scouts at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Jess Stevens, Cameron Stevens, Ashleigh Ayling and Niamh O’Shea.
The Kestrel Beaver Scout colony at 3rd Alton were thrilled to hear their suggestion for the kit, Bobby, has been chosen named after their own colony mascot.
The two baby beavers, called kits, were born this summer in an enclosure at 925-acre Ewhurst Park, Tadley, and their names were chosen as part of a competition. Alongside Bobby, suggested by the 3rd Alton, the second kit was named Barry by ear 5 pupils from St Gabriel’s school, Newbury.
We at Hampshire Scouts are always happy to see new Beavers, but this was more literal than we're used to! The excitement from the Beavers and volunteer to the competition and the new Beaver kits has been high! It's a great example of young people engaging with nature and the outdoor world.
Speaking at a tour of the Beaver enclosure, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP), author and environmentalist, Stanley Johnson, said:
“I want to congratulate all those who took part in the beaver naming competition, including of course, the winners, and the beavers themselves.”
Stanley Johnson, former MEP, author and environmentalist.
“Education and outreach are essential to our ethos at Ewhurst Park. We are delighted to be engaging the next generation with the wonderful world of beavers and the importance of connecting with nature.”
Mandy Lieu, Ewhurst Park Director.
Ewhurst Park continue to publish the latest updates from Bobby, Barry and their parents on their social media channels, including footage from wildlife cameras that has so far shown them moving around their enclosure, eating plant material and starting to learn how to gnaw and fell trees.
The story has captured heart too, with both the BBC and ITV spreading the good news story to our local community too. All thanks to some Beavers getting involved with their community and learning about the great outdoors too.
The event took place on Monday 7th October at Four Marks and Ropley Scout hall, drawing families and friends from the local area eager to support a worthy cause while enjoying delicious homemade treats.
The Beaver Scouts, aged six to eight years, took part in the planning and preparation, showcasing their baking skills with an array of goodies, including cupcakes and cookies. Parents and volunteers helped supervise the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Children enjoyed picking out their favourite treats while learning about the importance of giving back to the community.
"We wanted to do something special for our community," said Beaver Scout leader Lynn Vine. "St. Michael's Hospice provides incredible support to families in need, and we're proud to contribute in our own way."
All proceeds from the bake sale will be donated directly to St. Michael's Hospice, which provides compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The hospice is known locally for its dedicated staff and volunteers who offer support in both clinical and emotional capacities.
The event raised over £250, a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of the Beaver Scouts and their families. St. Michael's Hospice expressed their gratitude for the community's support, emphasising how such contributions make a significant difference in their ability to provide care.
We would like to say a special thank you to Jane Mills, Lucy Kington, Naomi Vine, Chris Willcocks, Teresa Hammond, Lynn Vine and Faith Vine for helping organise and run such an amazing event.
Formed in 1949, 3rd Farnborough is a busy Scout Group with very active Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts sections and a partnership with Spitfire Explorer Unit, offering Scouting from 4 years old upwards to adulthood!
It welcomed around 160 people on Saturday including young people, siblings, parents, grandparents, leaders, former leaders, and community supporters who were able to take part in a number of activities, enjoy a BBQ, take part in the Group’s AGM, and sing songs around the campfire.
They were treated to activities including soft archery, soft tomahawk throwing, soft rifle shooting, rock painting, paracord bracelets, Duplo Lego challenges, bouldering wall, fire lighting, first aid, and a tin can alley.
Dylan McSweeney, a 4 year old Squirrel at the Group was really excited to be taking part in all the activities. His favourite activities were the tin can alley and the campfire, and he said:
“I loved knocking the cans over and got some sweets. The campfire was very loud and fun, and the birthday cake was yummy!”
Rachel Cronin, a former Scout and now Explorer with the Spitfire ESU and a young leader at 3rd Farnborough said:
“I really enjoyed helping by selling raffle tickets, watching the premiere of our Summer Camp video and showing the actions for the songs around the campfire!”
The original 3rd Farnborough actually dates back to 1911 and its base was on Alexandra Road in Farnborough. That Group merged with 2nd Farnborough in 1927 and closed. The 3rd Farnborough that we know and love today opened at on 30th May 1949 with a Cub pack led by a Miss Ethel Sanderson and a Mr Ronald Jackman. 75 years on and the Group feels it goes from strength to strength offering fun, friendship, and adventure to over 100 young people every week.
Iain Roy, Group Lead Volunteer said:
“It was fabulous to be able to welcome so many of our young people and their families and to see them enjoying all the activities. We wanted to celebrate our anniversary with as many people as possible and we were so pleased with how many of our young people and their family members came along.”
Dawn Mahoon, Blackwater Valley District Lead Volunteer was at the Fun Day celebrating with the Group, and said:
“It is so nice to see 3rd Farnborough thriving, all the leaders and young people having so much fun, and the community spirit this afternoon is awesome!”
You can find out more about the group at their website: 3rdfarnboroughscoutgroup.org.uk. Get involved with the Scouts in your local area at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Libby Roy.
The Squirrels Scouts opened as a new section for bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young people in September 2021 to help them gain skills for life at a time when it matters most and where it is most needed.
The 29th Southampton Scout Group, based in Portswood, were the first to officially open the 100th Squirrels ‘Drey’ (as referred to by members within the movement) within the county – the first county within the UK to reach this milestone.
And this moment was marked at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, in Brockenhurst, surrounded by hundreds of others engaged in a day of outdoor activities such as climbing, archery, bushcraft, bouncy castles and more.
Russell Andrews, Lead Volunteer at the 29th Southampton, said their group are the talk of the community as people are recognising the good work taking place.
“We are excited to open the 100th Squirrels Drey in Hampshire, and that cannot be repeated, which is quite a special moment. There are quite a few people keen to pop in and see what Squirrels is all about, which is lovely to see.
“We deliver many outdoor and adventurous activities, as well as indoor team building and new skills sessions for our young people to enjoy, so there’s quite a bit of a buzz going around, which is good to see.”
Russell Andrews, Lead Volunteer, 29th Southampton
Across the UK, The Scouts has been on a positive growth trajectory within its youngest section for youth members.
There were 3,348 Squirrels Scouts in January 2022, followed by 10,586 in January 2023, and most this year an impressive 16,691 in January 2024.
Eva Moreno, who witnessed her daughter being invested in the Scout movement, praised the work of volunteers, saying:
“I think the work of Scouts is really exciting. The Scouts is much bigger than I thought, and I really think this is a great opportunity for my daughter to build her confidence.
“It is lovely to see the young people enjoying activities in nature and gaining skills, so I am very happy that my daughter is involved. I love the community feel here and hope in the future; my son, who is very little, can be a part of that.”
Eva Moreno, parent
Amanda Wallace, who leads on Squirrels Scouts for Hampshire, said:
“It’s amazing to see the 29th Southampton Scout Group opening the 100th Drey within Hampshire. It has been an absolute huge success, and I’m really proud that we have come to this.
“The work our volunteers do across the county is really important, especially because of lockdown. So many children have so much time indoors, so it’s great to regularly be out in the open and engage with all the fun and friendship that’s on offer."
Amanda Wallace, Lead volunteer for Squirrels, Hampshire Scouts
Volunteer today and help Squirrels grow across Hampshire at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Text: Sam Poole.
Hosted at the home of Hampshire Scouts, Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre in the New Forest National Park, this annual tradition saw everyone having fun and making new memories by trying out something new.
When the first Fun Day was held just two years ago, Squirrels itself was only one year old. This year, Hampshire was celebrating having over 100 Squirrel Dreys in the county, the first County in the country to do so.
Alongside the Ferny Crofts favourites which many of our older Scouts would be very familiar, such as Archery, Climbing and Tomahawk Throwing, new activities especially for this annual event arrived such as carnival games, an area to express their own creativity and the ever popular bouncy castles.
Together, Squirrels reached new heights on Crate Stacking, or navigated their way through the dark in the Cave Bus or simply enjoyed some old Scout favourites like cooking dough twists over an open fire. For many this was their first taste of the thrill of adventure, and of the skills of life this brings for them.
Ian Browning is part of the Scouts team who helped launch Squirrels, and the years of Early Years pilots that preceded it, was at the event to see how Squirrels had grown. "As a Hampshire boy born and bred, I'm thrilled to see so many of you here and for here in Hampshire to be doing so well with Squirrels."
Amanda is Hampshire Scouts' lead volunteer for Squirrels, which spans the 4-6 years age groups:
This is our third Squirrels Fun Day, where all our Squirrel Scouts from across the County come together and do some amazing activities.
Giving young people the opportunity to get outside and do amazing activities today, like tomahawks, crate stacking and wall climbing among many others, to give them that great start in life is what we do. As Scouts we may talk about Skills for Life and this really does give them that, it's truly wonderful.
The young people have such an amazing time, they get so much out of it, but I think it's important to remember that volunteers also get a lot out of it too. I personally find it really rewarding watching the young people have an amazing time, knowing that we've been a part of that.
Amanda Wallace, Lead Volunteer for Squirrel Scouts, Hampshire Scouts
The fun day has become a firm favourite in the calendar of Squirrel Dreys and places for this years event sold out in record time. The Ferny Crofts team, who run and deliver the event, are key to the day's success.
It was great to host everyone here for Squirrel Fun Day, the third year in a row. We had 300 plus Squirrels and it was fantastic to see them having a great time. We're so happy that we can host this and run these events as it welcomes them to Ferny Crofts and gets them into the activities and Scouting, learning what activities they can enjoy here in the future.
A massive thank you to all of the volunteers that come to help us, we really couldn't run these events without them. This year, we've had 30-40 extra volunteers today helping run the activities and the day itself - without them we couldn't do it.
Nicole Smith, Senior Instructor, Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre
The number of Squirrels in Hampshire has already jumped over the past couple of years at a very impressive rate as more communities embrace the newest branch of the Scouts family tree. Across the county, we want to double the number of Squirrels groups in two years. Planning for future fun days with higher capacity, and more activities at Ferny Crofts in general is already being planned:
After we did the first fun day, we saw loads more enquiries from Squirrels carrying on their adventures, but it also made sure we stepped up and had enough activities on site, so that when they do visit there is always something for them.
Nicole Smith, Senior Instructor, Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre
The best way to help Squirrels grow, and to allow other 4-6 year olds enjoy the fun of Scouting is to volunteer. It's fun, builds your skills, and shapes a young person's future. Find out and volunteer at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Text: Steven Osborn
Hedge End was the host to an evening of celebration as the final award criteria, the presenting of their experiences to an audience filled with family and friends, marked the end of their journey to earn the Explorer Belt.
Leading the presentations was Chloe, lead volunteer for Scout Network, and part of the core team for the event who supported the team in-country.
Joining to witness the presentations were other members of Team Hampshire, including the County Chair, and the Lead volunteers for International Events and Programme. Many of the events were news to them, as all the anecdotes came out of the woodwork!
One-by-one, the teams re-lived with fondness their memories in hilarious fashion from the trip including the highlights of Legoland, seeing a 'colour museum (Art Gallery!)', wild-camping legally and meeting the 'King of Denmark' (citation needed).
They acknowledged the challenges overcome along the way including melting a cooking pot, long days of walking, waking up in puddles of water inside the tent, and 'getting on the right train but not not getting off'.
While on their life-changing adventures, the Explorers took on a project to ask the important questions in life.
Big questions tackled during the different expeditions including asking:
In total, each teams travelled around 1,500km within Denmark, in addition to the thousands of miles getting to and from the country.
The six teams this year saw the fabulous country of Denmark as the host for their expeditions and adventures. Over ten days, they were absolutely buzzing with excitement, having started at Copenhagen and explored every corner of the country by foot, bus, ferry and train.
"I'm absolutely loving Explorer Belt! It's given us so much independence and freedom, and it's fantastic to have formed such a great team of close friends"
Team Calypso
From Scout shops to Legoland in Billund - the home of Lego - they took to the streets making new friends from lots of international Scouts during their trip, from Europe and beyond. The groups also hosted a campfire for local members of Det Danske Spejderkorps (Danish Scouts) and exchanged various songs - even learning a few in Danish!
Along the way, personal challenges were broken including racing a Great Dane dog, drinking the Danish drink in a very Danish place and ranking the cities of Denmark. They met local Scouts, got evenings of free accommodation, saw 'Hamlet, from Hamlet', and enjoyed evening sunsets on a beach. No type of challenge was too big or too small - even trying Danish pastries, switching their phone language to Danish for a day, and making their own dances featured.
Over a packed evening, stories and tales of replacement socks, earning their Legoland Driving License, 'truly majestic kebabs', football matches, puppets that look like County volunteers, 'a very romantic 7-11 store', and buses that only run on Tuesdays emerged.
Teams noticed the smallest of details including accessibility features for the blind, such as braille dots on many signs (although 'not the ones above the motorway'), how different bike lanes were compared to the UK and the differences in society structure.
As well as so many memories from the trip, many of the teams brought back mascots of their trip, including teddy bears dressed in Danish Scout uniform and a pink elephant which was transported home in multiple sets of hand luggage.
It was a night our Explorers and their nearest and dearest will not soon forget.
Taking place in a country entirely new to the team, the Explorer Belt sees young people aged over 16 travel to different places, camp out or spend time with the company of new friends as part of a ten-day expedition.
As they go, the six teams must complete ten small challenges and one large project as well as showing off their skills in the practical skills such as budgeting, navigating, first aid, teamwork, the local language and communication.
Find out more about the award, and register your intention on the Scouts website.
None of these adventures could have happened without the many volunteers who supported the teams in their expeditions. Help our young people explore new places and discover new cultures by volunteering your time. Volunteer at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Text: Steven Osborn.
As Scouts, we want our young people and adult volunteers to be just like the places we serve - full of amazing, interesting and diverse people from all corners of our community. It doesn't happen overnight and takes effort to find and connect with those people who may not see Scouts as being where they fit in.
So many Scout volunteers work hard, often behind the scenes, to make Scouting more welcoming to more people. For one new volunteer, this effort has paid off.
Meet Isaac, who starts this new term as a new volunteer as part of the Beaver Leader team at 1st Denmead Scouts, near to Waterlooville. Like so many new volunteers, Isaac enjoys volunteering, has prepared for the role and the 6-8 year old Beavers see him as a fun leader.
What our young people don't notice, but others might, is that Isaac has Down Syndrome.
While he may have been born with an extra chromosome, Isaac knows what he likes and since the age of six, the skills for life that the Scouts brings has been a part of his life.
Tracy is the Lead Volunteer at 1st Denmead:
Isaac is no stranger to Scouting as he started as a Beaver Scout with 1st Denmead as a happy 6 year old and continued his Scouting journey through to Scouts. After leaving Scouts he would pop in on occasion with his Beaver Leader Dad and help out.
Once Isaac turned 18 years old, he approached me about volunteering with us. After careful consideration of both Isaac’s needs and the needs of the Group, I decided to grab this opportunity with both hands.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
At the Scouts, we live by our values and respect and support for others has been shining throughout Isaac's story. Together, the Scouts are committed to representing our communities and giving our young people positive role models to help them learn skills for life. But that aim is really hard to do if we, as Scouting volunteers, don't reflect society.
It's also true that nationally there are over 100,000 young people who want to join Scouting, but are stuck on waiting lists (2024 census). We need more volunteers if we want to offer them the skills for life that Scouting brings and which can change lives for the better.
“I was really pleased and excited when Dad told me I could be Twig [Isaac's Scout name] again”. I really enjoy playing the games with the Beavers and also helping Oak [Dad, Chris] and Acorn with the activities. We especially like going outside.”
Isaac
Isaac's story shows us how playing an active role in the Scouts as a young person has helped him in life, and now he is ready to give back to the next generation, prepared with the skills to lead and inspire himself.
It's also the power of bravery of others to believe in him and to see the bigger picture of how this benefits our young people and society as a whole.
Isaac brings his infectious appetite for Scouting to life each week, helping and supporting our young people in any way he can. He is amazing with the Beavers and they think he is great. Having Isaac in the Group has shown how truly inclusive we are, how we can adapt to meet the needs of our youth members and the needs of our volunteers. It has shown that as a Group we embrace flexible volunteering and offer support when necessary so our volunteers can complete their training.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Because our Scout volunteers come from all walks of life, it's right that we are flexible to their needs and find a role that suits any potential volunteer. Isaac was successfully supported by his dad, Chris, who also volunteers within the Beaver team to make sure that he understood every step of the volunteering process and was ready.
While there is much to celebrate about the Scout movement and the many volunteers who play their part, there is still much to do. While many adults who knew Isaac were confident he'd make a great volunteer, there were still some who were cautious and wanted Isaac to prove himself before he started volunteering which is not how the volunteering journey usually unrolls. The grit and determination Isaac showed in proving the doubters wrong only adds to his credit.
It is great to see Isaac develop in confidence and an absolute pleasure to see the Beavers learn that everyone can make a positive impact in Scouting and in the wider community.
We are lucky to have him.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Bravo Isaac for taking the leap and we hope you have just as much fun, have just as big an impact, and learn just as many skills for life as an adult volunteer as you've done already as a Scout.
At Scouts, we celebrate difference and welcome everybody. You can be a great volunteer. Find out more and start your volunteering journey at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Steven Osborn. My thanks to Isaac's dad Chris for support with this article.
Our newest Chief Scout, the eleventh to hold the role going back to 1907, took part in a handover at Scout Park in North East London where he spent time in Cub Scouts as a child surrounded by Scouts from across the UK.
Part of that esteemed number included three Scouts from Hampshire, who took part in activities including climbing, archery and 'backwoods' cooking to mark the occasion. They ended their evening with witnessing the new Chief Scout make his Scout promise around a campfire and speaking of his excitement for this new journey.
Dwayne, the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole, takes the baton of Chief Scout from Bear Grylls, who has been in the role for 15 years since 2009 and marking the second longest tenure of any Chief Scout after the founder Robert Baden-Powell. Dwayne was chosen for his excellent values, commitment, and outstanding leadership qualities.
Lucky enough to witness another milestone is Scouting's history were three Scouts from Hampshire, who did their best to represent the thousands of young people from across Hampshire who learn skills for life each week.
Libby Roy, Explorer Scout aged 17, was one of the three and has been an active member of 3rd Farnborough Scout Group for 8 years. As well as being part of Hampshire's Explorer Ambassador Team (HEAT), she has shown outstanding dedication and enthusiasm in her Scouting journey and recently completed an Explorer Belt expedition to Denmark with other Scouts from Hampshire. She said:
"Dwayne is honestly so genuine and such a nice person. His passion for Scouting really shines through his actions, and he is just a kind and very genuine person.
"He’s really expressed his thanks to all volunteers today, and from his personal experience really understand the benefits of Scouting, and wants to pass this on to the whole Scout movement.
"I’m very excited to see what his next steps are, and I think he’s going to be an amazing Chief Scout. It was such an honour to meet him today."
Libby Roy, Explorer Scout
Charlie Prior-Turner, a 17 year-old Explorer Scout from Spitfire Explorer Unit in Blackwater Valley, also enjoyed the day. He said:
"It was such an honour to be a part of such a historic moment. It is crazy to think I was personally there at the new Chief Scout handover. I am already such a big fan of Dwayne and really inspired by his vision for the future – and this night has made me even more excited to continue my own journey in Scouting.
"Tonight was really special and bonding with all the other Scouts and making friends from across the country has made it even better”
Charlie Prior-Turner, Explorer Scout
Chloé Knott, a Scout Network member and volunteer in Hawk District covering Havant and Waterlooville, said:
"The whole event has been an incredible opportunity. Dwayne is such a lovely person and his passion really shows. The love he has for all the young people is truly heart-warming, he always has a moment for you.
"I believe he is going to make an amazing Chief Scout."
Chloé Knott, volunteer and Scout Network member
Accompanying them was Mike Baxter, Hampshire Scout's lead volunteer for Top Awards and Explorer Scouts, who has helped each young person earn their awards and seen them become well-rounded members of their community.
The lead volunteer for Scouts in the UK, Carl Hankinson, offered congratulations and warm welcome to Dwayne in his role:
“I’m so excited to welcome Dwayne Fields as Chief Scout. A committed Scout Ambassador since 2017, Dwayne has visited hundreds of Scout groups, events and camps across the UK and internationally.
He champions the sense of belonging Scouts gives young people. He is able to reach across generations, to further expand reach across all communities”
Carl Hankinson, UK Lead Volunteer
‘My volunteer leaders believed in me as a young person and taught me to believe in myself. They showed me I could do anything I put my mind to and others would help me along the way.
Now I want a new generation to learn the skills, friendship and belonging I felt when I needed them most. I want to show that the outdoors is a place for us all to be at our best, that Scouts is a family and truly open to all.’
Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout
Scouts gave Dwayne a great start in life. Born in Jamaica, Dwayne came to the UK at the age of 6. Growing up in inner city London, without access to nature, Scouts offered Dwayne new horizons. He first joined the Scout movement as a Cub Scout and being a part of his local pack gave him friendships, skills and belief in himself, as well as hope for the future.
Through his determination and support from his Scout leaders, he set himself on a path to being on top of the world as the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole in 2013. On his return, he was invited to Buckingham Palace by none other than the Queen, joining other polar explorers and adventurers at a reception to mark the centenary of Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.
He has gone on to a successful career in adventure and TV, presenting shows on the BBC, Channel 5, Disney+ and National Geographic. As well as being an adventurer, explorer and naturalist, he's also got freedom of the City of London and been a 'Get Outside' ambassador for the Ordnance Survey and Woodland Trust.
He's no stranger to the Scouts, and has been a Scout Ambassador since 2017, working alongside the likes of Tim Peake, Ellie Simmonds, Warwick Davis and Anita Rani. In that time, he's met thousands of Scouts, supported the Jamboree in Korea last year, and encouraged new adults to volunteer so more young people can learn skills for life at Scouts.
He is passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities and be the best they can be. A key part of Dwayne’s mission will be to attract new volunteers, especially in communities new to Scouts so we can welcome more young people. He’ll be visiting these areas, encouraging and inspiring teams to grow the movement.
Can you be a role model like Dwayne? Volunteer with the Scouts and help young people learn skills for life. Find out how good for you it can be at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Find out more about our new Chief Scout on the Scouts website.
Text: Steven Osborn with thanks to Dwayne, the UK Scouts team and our Hampshire Scouts.
