Edinburgh Scout joins Bear Grylls for Survival Camp

06/08/2010

Edinburgh Scout Rowan Whitton was one of eight Scouts who took part in a 24 hour survival camp with Chief Scout Bear Grylls at his island off the Welsh coast last weekend .

During the 24 hour adventure, Rowan and his fellow Scouts abseiled off a cliff face, learned how to fight fires and skinned dead rabbits. During the evening, they gathered round a campfire and swapped stories about previous Scouting adventures.

All those who had achieved the Chief Scout’s Gold Award were invited to apply for the camp, with applicants being selected on the basis of recommendations by Scout Leaders and their own personal testimonials about completing the Gold Award.

After returning to the mainland, Rowan who is part of the 82nd Inverleith Scout Group, said: "Bear Island was an amazing adventure! The Gold Award was great but this is massive!"

After the camp, Chief Scout Bear Grylls was full of admiration for the Scouts and the adult volunteers supporting them. He said: "Congratulations to Rowan and all the other Scouts who joined me this weekend. They showed great energy and commitment in learning some real adventure skills in outdoor survival. I so admire the motivation and enthusiasm that they have already showed in achieving their Gold Awards, and a big part of that is down to their Leaders.

"I pay tribute those Scouting leaders who gave up their time to help them achieve their goals. Scouting represents all that is great about life: opportunity, adventure and camaraderie. That is why I so encourage young people and adults from all walks of life to get involved and join in the adventure!"