Bear Grylls teaches his tricks to Scouts

‘Bear Day’ was designed to give Scouts aged between six to 25 a fun filled day of challenge, learning new skills and trying new activities. Scouts could try a vast range of activities from Chinese dragon dancing and making volcanoes erupt through to fire-lighting and circus skills; from picking their way through a simulated field of landmines, to making origami birds of peace.

At the event were Scout groups from Leamington, Warwick and Kenilworth.

Bear‘s Grylls’ visit was part of his mission to encourage more adults to volunteer for scouting, as well as to celebrate the important role of ccouting in the West Midlands and the UK as a whole. There were over 1,000 adults supporting the day from Warwickshire and Solihull either leading the young people around the event or providing activities and all of them were volunteers. Bear, who spent an hour with the Warwickshire Scouts, said: “It is always great to visit Scouts. At every event I go to, I know I’ll meet young people taking part in the adventure that Scouting provides. It’s crucial though that more adults sign up as volunteers, to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to join.”

Planning for the event took over a year and involved adults leaders from across the county.

Andy Clarke of Warwick District, which had over 500 Scouts at the event, said: “Bear Day has been a fantastically positive experience for all the young people here today with an amazing vibe. It has been a real privilege to be part of the team delivering such a constructive experience to so many thousands of local youngsters”.

Ann Howe of Leamington District Scouts, which had over 600 Scouts at the event, said: “Helping young people in my local area get the most out of life and watching them develop is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. Helping support this day has been a great adventure and one many of the Scouts will never forget!”

Richard Staveley of Kenilworth District, which had over 300 scouts at the event said:

“It was great to have Bear Grylls visiting us today – the young people were incredibly excited to see him. Volunteering as a Scouter is very rewarding and seeing young people have such an amazing time has been inspiring”.

Andy Shorter, Warwickshire’s County Commissioner (one of the youngest in the country to hold this role), said:

“What an amazing day, fantastic not only for Warwickshire’s young people but also for our adult leaders who gained so many new ideas for their weekly group programmes. I’d like to praise all involved for pulling together such a brilliant day.”