Catherine, Carlos & Steve: just three Volunteers in Scouting

(TSA/London) – Earlier this week, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and Steve Judge, World Para-Triathlon Champion, joined the Beaver Scouts of 23^rd Poplar Scout Group in East London (UK) for their regular weekly meeting. The visit took part in the framework of The Scout Association’s Better Prepared project.

A video clip featuring HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and Steve Judge joining Beaver Scouts of 23^rd Poplar Scout Group (East London, UK) for an evening’s activity.

“The Better Prepared Project focuses at strengthening links between the Scout Association and local communities in order to be able open new Scout groups in some 200 areas around the country”, explains Wayne Bulpitt, Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association. “The aim is to ensure that even more children have the chance to experience fun and adventure through Scouting, while developing skills that will help change their lives”. And this is what started to happen in East London and in many other location across the UK.

A group-selfie of Steve and Beaver Scouts displaying his gold medals

So, to see first results of the Better Prepared Project for themselves, Catherine and Steve, just like many other volunteers in Scouting do each week, came down Tuesday night to the Scout Hall in Bow and took part in the evening’s activities, much to the delight of the young people and their leaders. The programme focused on diversity and inclusion and saw the Duchess and the sportsman engage in a series of games and small group activities aimed at raising disability awareness. Activities included learning how to communicate through sign language and mastering routine tasks requiring co-ordination while blindfolded. By the end of the evening the two visitors and the Beaver Scouts had earned the Disability Awareness Badge.

This is where you need to sew on your new badge!

Carlos Lopez-Plandolit, Beaver Colony Leader with 23^rd Poplar Scout Group, recalls the event: “It was definitely a memorable evening. We were all so excited to see The Duchess and Steve Judge at our Scout Hall and the Scouts loved doing the activities with them. The Duchess is such a great ambassador for Scouting; her support will hopefully encourage more adults to volunteer.”

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge and Steve Judge promise to do their best and live the Scout Law in British Sign Language

“Scouting gives young people access to some fantastic opportunities that they might not have access to otherwise”, explains Carlos, “And it is true for adults as well! As someone who had never considered volunteering with The Scout Association until recently, I cannot recommend it enough! It’s a brilliant experience for those who love adventure and working with young people. Being a volunteer changed my life and I am proud I can change the life of the young people in the community in which I live and work.”

For further details about the Better Prepared Project please consult the website of The Scout Association.

(c) images: The Scout Association 2014 and various agencies (via The Scout Association)

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