Extreme adventurer Megan Hine made a surprise Zoom appearance at Gwynedd Explorer’s weekly catch up this week to chat to them about expeditions.
The Scout Ambassador, who lives in North Wales, shared her stories and answered questions as the young people prepare for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
She also took the time to thank volunteers and young people for their dedication over the past year having continued to keep up weekly skills sessions throughout the pandemic.
The visit came ahead of Founder’s Day – 22 February – where every year, millions of Scouts around the world gather at local, national and international levels to celebrate the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell (1857-1941), the pioneer of Scouting.
Megan, who is Chief Scout Bear Grylls’ survival expert, said, “My passion is getting into the outdoors and helping others experience it too. As Scouts we’ve not been able to get out there as much we’d like to this year. However, I’ve been so inspired by how our Scouts and volunteers have adapted – camping at home and meeting online. The way our volunteers have continued to provide adventures and opportunities online has been so impressive. I want to say a massive thank you to them.”
Despite the challenges that COVID19 has brought, ScoutsCymru has reported that during the pandemic 82% of groups in Wales have been doing some form of Scouting at home.
Gwynedd Explorer, Scout Leader, Rob Hughes said: “The last year has been a challenge in Scouting. Here at Gwynedd Explorers, we have managed to meet nearly every week face to face when we could but also on Zoom. The 25 Explorers have enjoyed a variety of activities online including quizzes, cooking competitions, a home-made movie night and even a visit from our local SM (Senedd Member) Sian Gwenllian. The Explorers have also been raising money for our local Children’s Hospice.
“When we were able to meet outside, several Explorers completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions and Platinum Chief Scouts Award. They have also done campcraft, wide games and gained a first-aid qualification.
“In the most recent lockdown, the group have done a Harry Potter camp where several of them slept under their stairs and we had an art evening hosted by professional artist Lisa Lockhead. She led the group in making some wonderful intuitive art using paints and old magazines. This was a great exercise in mindfulness as well as being great fun.
“Despite everything we have managed to meet nearly every week. We are looking forward to an exciting year with hopefully Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions at all levels with some Explorers completing their Gold Awards. This last year has been about developing resilience, survival in difficult circumstances and having fun. It was great for our Explorers to meet Megan Hine and hear about her adventures and how she has developed her resilience.”
Chief Scout, Bear Grylls said: “The pandemic has impacted us all and so many Scout volunteers have gone above and beyond to ensure young people can continue to learn new skills. I want to say a huge thank you to every amazing volunteer who has dedicated hours of their time to support young people through a very difficult year.”
The impact of the pandemic over the last year has brought unprecedented financial and practical challenges for Scout groups. Set back by the end of face-to-face Scouting, groups adapted by taking their meetings and activities online. Scouts from all over the UK have taken part in various virtual challenges, including #RaceRoundTheWorld and the record-breaking virtual camping event #CampAtHome.
For many young people the experience they have at the Scouts can be truly transformational and increases their wellbeing and life chances. It is vital now more than ever that young people are given the support they need, and volunteers play a central role in delivering this.
