Southwark teens learn key skills during adventures
Teenagers aged 14-17 with the Albion (DORA) Explorer Scout unit have since 2023 been taking part in activities and adventures, encouraged to ask the bigger questions, think on their feet, be part of a team and always have a plan B up their sleeves.
The unit, based in Bermondsey, have enjoyed hiking, cooking on open fires, building rafts and shelters, and camping trips with other teenagers from across the borough. The Explorer Scouts get the opportunity to decide what activities they want to do and get involved with the planning.
In a recent poll 94 per cent of Scouts said they had developed useful skills, and 88 per cent said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before. Scouts offers over two hundred activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.
Every week Scouts gives young people the skills they need for school, college, university, the job interview, the important speech, the tricky challenge, and the big dreams: the skills they need for life.
Dwayne Fields, who replaced Bear Grylls as Chief Scout in September, said ‘’I’m incredibly pleased that the Albion (DORA) Explorer Scout unit opened in 2023. This means more young people in the local community are making friends, building their confidence, and gaining skills that will prepare them for life and work.
"It’s vital our young people get the encouragement and support they deserve to help them find their place in the world and become the active citizens of the future.
"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 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."
He added: "I’m so pleased that young people in Southwark are getting the same chance I did – to discover their talents and find their place in the world.
"A massive thank you to everyone at the Albion (DORA) Explorer Scout unit. You’re making all the difference to young lives and bringing people together. Well done to you all’’
The Albion (DORA) Explorer Scouts meet at Scout House, 254 Jamaica Road, Rotherhithe. They have opportunities for adult volunteers to join the team, put their skills to good use, learn new ones and be part of the local community.
Volunteer Dan said ‘’Volunteering with the Explorers is fun, you can escape from the day-to-day routine of working life and give back to your community. We are a friendly welcoming team and volunteering with the Explorer Scouts is flexible and whatever time you can give we will find a role for you’’. To find out more contact Dan at [email protected]