Explorer Scouts are giving local young people aged 14 to 17 the opportunity to try abseiling, hiking, camping, and rifle shooting
The Scouts have recently opened a new Explorer Scouts group in Chingford, giving local young people aged 14 to 17 the opportunity to learn outdoor skills.
Since opening in April, Scouts says the young explorers have enjoyed night hikes, camping, rifle shooting, cooking chicken kebabs on an open fire, and are looking forward to their summer camp in Great Yarmouth.
Scouts also offers over 200 activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.
According to a recent Scouts poll, 94% of scouts said they had developed useful skills, 95% said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before, and 85% said they are happier since joining.
Unit lead volunteer Rachael said: ‘’The Explorers are great, they decide their own programme, have fun with their new friends, whilst building their confidence and independence. We encourage them to think on their feet, be part of a team and always have a plan B up their sleeves.’’
Dwayne Fields, adventurer, TV presenter and Chief Scout said: “I’m incredibly pleased that the Raptor Explorer Scouts have opened. This means we will now have more young people in the local community making friends, building their confidence, and gaining skills that will prepare them for life and work.
“When I was young, as quite a shy kid, I remember walking into my local Scout meeting place and getting such a warm welcome. I found people who believed in me, and that helped me believe in myself. This set me on a path to adventure – taking me to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and even the North Pole.
“What made the difference were inspirational volunteers who became role models for me. I’ll also never forget the kindness and friendship of the other Scouts. Now I’m so pleased that young people in Waltham Forest now get the same chance I did – to discover their talents and find their place in the world.”
He added: “A massive thank you to everyone at the Raptor Explorer Scouts and the team at the 23rd Chingford Scout Group. You’re making all the difference to young lives and bringing people together.”
The Raptor Explorer Scouts meet on Friday evening at Bailey Lodge, 20 Bailey Close, Chingford E4 8HG. Contact Rachael on [email protected] for more information
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
More information on supporting us monthly or annually
More Information about donations
