Teenagers are flying, sailing and walking
Explorer Scouts (young people aged 14 to 17) are taking to the land, sea and sky and having fun and adventure.
There are now 90 young people in the Explorer Scout Units in Exeter.
With activities ranging from one pot cooking to navigation, backwoods cooking to paint ball and a festive stroll to developing new skills, the Units are thriving.
In a recent report from Stephanie Simmons she gave twelve reasons why joining Scouts helps with a young person’s development. These included, builds confidence and self-esteem, promotes outdoor skills, enhances social skills, provides a safe environment and offers adventure and fun.
Volunteer Richard said: “Scouting provides over 250 activities. These range from abseiling to climbing, cooking to music and pioneering to water activities. You can also learn and develop skills such as communication, independence, leadership, problem solving, social skills and teamwork and these will help with applications for apprenticeships, college, employment and university.
"Alongside new friends, you’ll learn the skills that will make you feel stronger and happier in the long run and try things you’d never get the chance to do at home or at school.
"Whether you’re hiking, sailing or learning about flying, you’ll have the freedom to choose what you’d like to do and work together with adults to make it happen.”
Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: “A vital part of my mission is to encourage our Scouts and volunteers to build their skills and find their future, and I’m really looking forward to meeting Scouts in Exeter and the surrounding area.
"I’d like to say thank you and well done for all our Scouts do to support their local community. The team in and around Exeter are creating brighter tomorrows for a new generation.
"Scouts gives thousands of young people a place to belong and find their place in the world. We give them the skills to succeed and belief in themselves.
"Scouts gave me belief in myself as a child, when I needed it most, and I want others to get the same chance I did. I want us to reach across our communities like Exeter and welcome in as many young people as we can.
"I truly believe Scouts is for all. Let’s help volunteers and Scouts from every background to experience the freedom of the outdoors and the friendship we offer.
"I’m so incredibly proud that Scouts in and around Exeter will be earning their Chief Scout’s Awards, and I hope I’ll be able present some of these personally. Young people never cease to amaze me with their energy and generosity – we can learn so much from them.
“Let’s never forget that Scouts is powered by volunteers. We can only offer these great opportunities if we have enough adult volunteers to deliver them.
"As a volunteer myself, I know that it can be as much fun for us as it is for the young people. We make friends and learn new skills along the way.
"So well done to every Scout and volunteer in Exeter and the surrounding area. You’re champions of our community.”
If you know someone aged between 14 and 17 who would like to try some new activities, make friends and learn new skills, please encourage them to get involved. For further information about the Units, please contact exeterdlv@scouts-exeter.org.uk
If you would like to get involved in volunteering, whether that is helping with any of the units, fund raising, as a Trustee or with IT or admin, please find out more via the email address.
