My name is Rachel, I am 17 and I'm an Explorer Scout from Carlisle. I have been asked to explain what Scouting means to me and how it has shaped the person I am today. I hope that this article gives you an insight into the many opportunities Scouting provides. Why am I willing to speak up for Scouting? Well that's because many people have branded Scouting as old fashioned and boring, thinking back to the 1950s, when it was all about boys, tying knots and bob-a-job; if that is your opinion on Scouting, then think again. Modern Scouting includes girls, very few knots and lots of fun! Try your hand at quad biking, scuba diving, zorbing, archery, coasteering, mountain biking, kayaking and much much more. Hang out with your mates on a camp by a lake in the Swiss Alps - what's not to like? So what does Scouting mean to me? It means going to places I would have never get the chance to go to. This summer I will be setting off with 17 other Cumbria Scouts to go to Rinkaby in Sweden to join 38,000 Scouts from around the world for the 22nd World Scout jamboree. To even be selected was a challenge and I have been given the responsibility of Patrol leader, which has given me the chance to practice leadership skills and to help others achieve their potential. Another example is when I was asked to do a presentation for my new 6th form tutor group so that we could find out a bit more about each other. I started off with all the usual stuff, family, friends, pets etc. I then showed them pictures of me abseiling down a 30ft crevasse in an ice glacier in
Switzerland. That got their attention. This was followed by a picture of me in mid-air as I jumped off a 30ft rock into the sea in Newquay. By the end of the presentation all my form couldn't believe how many amazing and seriously cool things I had done- even my form tutor was impressed and that’s saying something! At the end of the presentation I was asked "How have you done all that and you're only 16?" The answer of course "Scouts". But Scouting isn't all about amazing adventure opportunities- it's about learning about yourself; it gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself both physically and mentally, to try things out in safe environment, to experience new skills. Scouting has encouraged me and enabled me to have a go at becoming a Young Spokesperson. And to equip me properly for the challenge I was sent on a course which taught me some of the skills needed to work with the media. This has in turn given me confidence to speak out for what I see as right, the confidence to speak to people of all ages and that will stay with me for the rest of my life. So yes, Scouting is about fun, adventure, challenge but more importantly it's about learning about who you are and helping to shape the person you are and it's GREAT! And just to show you how great, here is a link to a short film made by local Scouts with the help of ITV Fixers to show what Scouting is like today - http://youtu.be/mhIx2GTyPSU Rachel Bradley