CHIEF Scout and international adventurer Bear Grylls inspired youngsters last weekend when he dropped in at a camp in Shirley.
He visited the Pinewood Scout Activity Centre in Shirley Church Road as part of a tour across London and the South East urging to inspire more adult to volunteer for Scouting.
Across the country there are
40,000 youngsters on Scouting waiting lists because of a lack of volunteer helpers.
At the centre He met and spoke to Scouts and volunteers taking part in a survival activity camp.
Commenting on his visit to Pinewood, he said: "I met a lot of inspiring young people who play a positive part in the adventure that Scouting provides.
"One of my main objectives for
the weekend was to encourage more adults to volunteer with the Scouts to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to join in the adventure that Scouting offers to all its participants.
Lilee Hardy-Sin, a 13-year-old Scout from Croydon, said: "It was great to meet Bear in person instead of just watching him on TV.
"I love being a Scout – it's built up my confidence, helped me make loads of new friends and allowed me to try so many brilliant things I would have otherwise never been able to do."
Steve French, the volunteer Scouting manager for Croydon Scouts, added: "Volunteering as a Scout Leader is easily one of the best things I've ever done.
"There's nothing more fulfilling than helping young people get the most out of life.
"Volunteering with the Scouts has provided me with an opportunity to give something back to the community, while developing lots of transferable skills that I can use in other areas of my life."
