Watch the short video about the visit here
3rd Pembroke Sea Scouts had an extra special guest at their meeting earlier this month – none other than the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS. And the First Minister of Wales is now a fully-invested member of the Scout family, after making his promise and being presented with a group necker.
Drakeford, who was a Scout in his youth, attended the meeting following an invitation made to him by Scout Seb Smith during UK Parliament Week 2023, where he joined a virtual question and answer session with the Scouts to promote young people’s involvement in democracy.
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from 3rd Pembroke, and Explorer Scouts from Pembroke Dock Viking Explorers, showed Drakeford their first aid skills, recounted their kayaking adventures, and took part in craft activities. The First Minister also joined in a game of human battleships, which was used as a way to teach grid references for map reading, as well as treating him to squash and biscuits – classic refreshments at any Scout meeting!
He was then invested into 3rd Pembroke Sea Scouts by Group Leader Ian ‘Skip’ Rogers, along with new Beaver, Indie, and Assistant Beaver Leader Ashleigh Jackson. He made his Scout promise in front of the group and parents of the young people attending, and was then given his own necker, tied with the friendship knot.
Leaders from the group told Drakeford about running the weekly sessions while Area Commissioner, Linda Wilson, and Vikki Phillips, Assistant Area Commissioner, explained more about how Scouting operates across Pembrokeshire and throughout Wales.
The First Minister commented on the value adult leaders bring to the young people and community.
Linda Wilson said: “There can be a lot involved in being a Scout leader, but it is incredibly rewarding, and well worth getting involved in. I’ve volunteered for a number of years and I haven’t looked back. I am proud of what Scouting offers young people.”
Now part of 3rd Pembroke, the First Minister was invited to come along any time to volunteer as a leader.
Mr Drakeford said: “I have really enjoyed my visit. I am delighted to have been invested into 3rd Pembroke and to be part of this great group. It was lovely to see some familiar faces from Parliament Week.”
Seb Smith, the Scout who initially asked Drakeford to visit his group after their online question and answer session, said: “It was an amazing experience. He was very interesting to talk to.”
Organiser of the events, Scout leader Jackie Thomas, said: “We were so lucky to have the First Minister join us online for UK Parliament Week, and for Mr Drakeford to reach out to me, asking to visit the group in person, was just fantastic.
“The children and young people have got so much out of this visit, something that many of them will never forget. It is a great experience for all of us, one which I hope encourages the children to have an interest in democracy, current affairs, and the wider world into the future, which is the aim of our involvement in UK Parliament Week.”
Watch the short video about the visit here
