New opportunity for teenagers to learn skills, make friends, and have adventures in Hackney

The Sharks Explorer Scouts will operate alongside the 63rd Hackney Beavers (6–8-year-olds), Cubs (8–10-year-olds) and Scouts (10–14-year-olds) at Lea View House Community Hall, Springfield, Upper Clapton.

The team of volunteers encourage their 70 youth members to ask the big questions, think on their feet, be part of a team and always have a plan B up their sleeves. They provide Hackney children and young people with the chance to take part in adventure, find their place, be accepted, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 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. Scouts offers over two hundred activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.

Dwayne Fields, adventurer, TV presenter and Chief Scout said ‘’I’m incredibly pleased that the Sharks Explorer Scouts have opened. This means we will now have more young people in Hackney are 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.

I’m so pleased that young people in Upper Clapton now 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 out and a positive attitude; we’ll provide all the rest.

A massive thank you to everyone at the 63rd Hackney and Sharks Explorer Scouts. You’re making all the difference to young lives and bringing people together’’.

There are now opportunities for adults to join the fun. Alan, a local volunteer said: ‘’To be a volunteer in Scouts you don’t need incredible outdoor skills or know how to use a map and compass. We can teach you all that. What’s really needed is a smile, patience, and willingness to share a little time to help others. 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. ‘’

The Sharks Explorer Scouts meet on a Thursday evening. To find out more contact John at [email protected]