Scouts

I’m an explorer scout, which is the group for scouts aged between 14 and 18. We do things like camping and walking, but also activities which you can’t do lower down in the organisation – for example, we can go shooting, and organise our own hikes and events, a responsibility which the younger scouts don’t have yet. 

I’m also attached to a beaver colony as a young leader. Beavers are the branch of scouts between the ages of 6-8 and yes, they also include younger girls. I assist the leaders with the games and activities which are organised on a weekly basis, and occasionally I run a game or even a whole evening. My beaver name is Badger, and the two main other leaders are Squirrel and Owl, though there are others in the parent support team. I really look forward to helping at beavers, because they’re a fun loving bunch, and the other members of the leader team are easy to get on with.

I think scouting has a very positive impact on young people as it can help with discipline, independence, confidence, and learning new skills (I'm sure there'll be a situation one day where I need to tie a bowline!) It's also useful for keeping young people off the streets which can help to reduce gangs and gang crime.

I hope to continue my involvement in scouting – it’s really enriched my life, and I’m eager to give back some of what was given to me.

Edit: Interesting new clip, I thought it was really great 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOM1n22XyHA