We’re kicking off the new year of our Change Makers | Dyfodol Disglair series with Betsan from 1st Caehopkin Pine Scout Group, who took on a seriously chilly challenge to support her troop. Betsan braved the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim, plunging into the freezing sea to raise funds for her Scouts, all as part of working towards her fundraising badge. What started as a personal goal quickly turned into an incredible achievement, raising an amazing £615.
How long have you been involved in Scouting, and what group are you part of now?
I started in Sept 2025 (age 10 ½) and I’m part of 1st Caehopkin Pine Scout group.
I have been in Beavers & cubs since 6 yrs old but with another scouting group.
What made you choose fundraising as a badge to work towards and how did you decide what to do?
We were told that although we worked towards badges on our training evenings, if we wanted to do other badges we could. So, I went home and asked my parents what other ones I could do. As we went through them, I saw the Fundraising badge and wanted to do that one. We needed new things for Scouts, so I wanted to help us raise some money. My target was £300.
You decided to do the Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim as your fundraising challenge – What was the hardest part for you on the day?
On the day, the water was freezing and it really hurt when I went in the water. I didn’t think I could do it. I saw Mami & Rhian put their heads under and I wanted to too. So, I held Daddy’s hand and did it. I had massive brain freeze when I came up but I was super happy that I did it.
Who supported you with your fundraising and helped you along the way?
Mami, Daddy and Rhian on the day. They kept me going and it was so much fun.
James my leader also helped me because he kept posting my fundraising link everywhere. Some people sponsored me and I didn’t even know who they were. But I had more money because James did this.
What difference did teamwork make on the day, especially when it came to your confidence?
It was easier having people with me doing it on the day. I’m not sure if I could have done it on my own. Once I did do it, it gave me confidence. Before the swim, there was a big warm up to music and it was fun doing it with lots of other people. Especially the group dressed up as Lobsters.
How will the money you raised be used by your Scout group?
Our Scout group always goes outside if we can on our training nights. James said we needed new outdoor equipment, so maybe a tent and equipment to go camping. I want to get a canoe but I don’t know if we actually need!
What advice would you give to other Scouts who are thinking about fundraising or taking on a big challenge?
Believe in yourself and don’t give up. You can do it. Keep saying to yourself you can and you’ll get there.
It was so much fun. I’m so happy I did it and raised £615 for my Scouts.
 Betsan’s determination, teamwork and belief in herself perfectly capture what the Change Makers | Dyfodol Disglair series is all about. A huge thank you to Betsan for taking on such a brave challenge and for raising vital funds for her Scout group.
If you know somebody who you think has or is going above and beyond, get in touch at admin@scoutscymru.org.uk
