The Cheam Village Explorer Scouts opened last year due to demand from local teenagers wanting to take part in activities and adventure. Explorer Scouts give young people aged 14-18 the skills they need to dream big, take a deep breath and go for it: the skills they need for life.
They have had a lot of fun since opening enjoying caving, escape rooms, camps, pedal cars, archery, climbing, learning money skills, cooking a variety of international cuisine, and taking part in expeditions. Six of the members are proud to have achieved their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
The Scouts offers more than two hundred activities, from outdoor adventures and creative arts to community projects and technical challenges. Whether it’s hiking, building robots, or launching a social action project, the team at The Cheam Village Explorer Scout Unit are providing young people with a safe, supportive place to grow. There are now opportunities for adults to join the fun by sharing their time and talents.
Dwayne Fields, adventurer, TV presenter, and Chief Scout said ‘’I’m incredibly pleased that The Cheam Village Explorer Scout Unit are supporting young people sense of adventure, 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 Cheam Village will get the same chance I did – to discover their talents and find their place in the world.
In Scouts, we’re so proud to help young people step up, speak up, and do their best. But for this to happen, we need more volunteers to step forward.
As a volunteer myself I know how much I get out of it; it’s great for your skills, your wellbeing, and the local community. And the best thing is that you can volunteer on a flexible basis, giving as much or as little time as you want. No special skills are required – just a willingness to help and a positive attitude; we’ll provide all the rest.
A massive thank you to everyone in Cheam Village Explorers and the team at the 8th Cheam Scout Group. You’re making all the difference to young lives and bringing people together’’.
The Scouts, bring people together and build stronger communities. But most of all, they help young people see that anything’s possible. In a recent poll 94% of Scouts said they had developed useful skills. 95% said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before. 85% said they are happier since joining.
Alan, a volunteer said ‘’Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes as a Trustee, there’s something for everyone at Scouts. Volunteers say they get back ten times what they put in – including new skills, new friends, and a renewed sense of the difference they can make when people work together. Join the team and help young people develop the skills they need to succeed.’’
Meetings take place at Springclose Lane, Cheam, Sutton SM3 8PU. Whether you have a young person wanting to go on an adventure, or you’re an adult wanting to help create these adventures, contact Samantha at Samantha.mcgann@suttonscouts.org.uk
