Message from the Chief Scout » 36th Ipswich Scout Group

SCOUTS

Bear Grylls is the Chief Scout to the Scout Association and figurehead to 28 million Scouts around the world. When asked why he chose to volunteer for the UK's largest mixed youth movement, Bear said: ‘In short, because I love adventure and I love hanging out with good friends. For me this is what Scouting is about.'

Born on 7 June 1974, Bear Grylls is the youngest ever Chief Scout and the movement is currently experiencing its biggest surge in membership since Scouting began.

He first got involved in Scouting aged eight as a Cub Scout. Bear attributes this time as a big part of the inspiration behind his adult adventures presenting TV shows such as Born Survivor: ‘So much of who we are as an adult is formed when we are kids,' said Bear. ‘What Scouting says to people is: “it's okay to go for it in life”.'

‘Every child has a right to have an adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities. The prizes don't always go to the biggest, the best and the strongest - they go to those who persevere. These are simple life lessons that Scouting teaches people.'

The Chief Scout is the lead volunteer of The Scout Association, providing inspiration for the 100,000 adult volunteers involved across the UK.

The position was created in 1920 with the appointment of Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout Movement in 1908.

Bear joins 100,000 Scout volunteers who give up their time to provide adventurous activities to 400,000 6-25 year olds.

Scouting encourages young people of all backgrounds, male and female, to have self-belief and a voice; to develop physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually.

Currently more popular than ever in the UK with adult volunteering increasing at the fastest rate for 23 years and just as many girls as boys now joining Scouting. Despite this, demand still outstrips supply and waiting lists remain at an all-time high due to the need for more adult volunteers.

By volunteering for Scouting you not only benefit from supporting young people, you also gain from developing yourself.