A Cumbrian Scout volunteer was one of few to attend Britain’s Chief Scout handover.
Dwayne Fields – the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole – has been chosen as the UK’s newest Chief Scout, replacing Bear Grylls who formerly held the role.
He has been chosen to lead half a million young people and adult volunteers who are part of the organisation and a formal handover took place at Scout Park in North East London, where he spent time in Cub Scouts as a child.
Cumbrian Kerry was one of a handful of Scouts attending from across the UK.
Kerry has been an active member of 2nd Maryport for two years and has shown outstanding dedication and enthusiasm in her scouting journey.
Kerry, Scout Volunteer from 2nd Maryport said: “I am thankful for the opportunity to go to London for the chief scout handover, I had a brilliant time and made some new friends from other groups that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet from all over the world.
“Dwayne was such a lovely genuine person who made time for everyone by speaking to us all and joining in with all the activities, he is going to do lots of good things for scouts in the future.”
The select Scouts who attended the investiture participated in various activities on the day with the new Chief Scout.
They took part in activities such as, archery and axe throwing. The evening ended with a warming campfire, where the new Chief Scout took his Scout promise and expressed his excitement for this new journey.
A key part of Dwayne’s mission will be to attract new volunteers – particularly in communities new to Scouts so we can welcome more young people. He’ll be visiting these areas and encouraging and inspiring teams to grow the movement.
Scouts gave Dwayne a great start in life. Born in Jamaica, Dwayne came to the UK at the age of six. Growing up in inner city London, without access to nature, Scouts offered Dwayne new horizons.
Carl Hankinson UK Lead Volunteer at the Scouts said: “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”
When he joined the Movement as a Cub Scout, membership of his local ‘Pack’ gave him friendships, skills, belief in himself and hope for his future. Through his determination and support from his Scout leaders, he set himself on a path to becoming the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole in 2013.
“He has gone on to a successful career in adventure and TV, presenting successful shows on Channel 5, Disney+ and National Geographic. He is passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities and be the best they can be.”
