Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, has declared an end to boredom this summer with the launch a Summer Manifesto for all kids in the UK.
The Manifesto coincides with the start of the school holidays and is announced as part of a whirlwind helicopter tour of scout summer camps in Shropshire, Derbyshire and the Lake District. Meeting nearly 8,000 young people in one day alone. Bear will be accompanied by Megan Hine, British adventurer and presenter, helping to inspire both girls and boys in scouting.
“The summer holidays are a massive opportunity for fun, challenge and adventure,” says Bear. “It’s a time when kids can get outdoors, build dens, learn skills, make friends and have the freedom to discover who they are. That’s why I’m challenging every child to accept my Kids’ Summer Manifesto.”
Bear Grylls’s Kid’s Summer Manifesto:
1. Spend a night under the stars – this can be in your own back garden or as part of a massive camp
2. Learn a new skill – whether it’s learning to ride a unicycle, play the ukulele or how to canoe
3. Do something for someone else – help a neighbour, your parents, siblings or relatives
4. Get fit – get into training for an adventure with some jogging, climbing or cycling
5. Build something – a den, a tree house, a go kart, a boat, you name it
6. Go on a wild adventure – on foot, on your bike, on the water or in the air!
In scouting young people get to try all these activities plus over 200 more, from canoeing and abseiling to art and community projects. As a result they develop independence, resilience and initiative - the life skills, employability skills and practical skills that will help them enjoy a brighter future.
“Scouting offers life changing adventure for young people across the UK,” says UK Chief Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt. “It’s amazing what can be achieved with great ideas, massive enthusiasm and committed volunteers. I would encourage everyone to take up our challenge and if they enjoy it, then continue their adventure by joining the Scouts. Adults can help make this happen by volunteering some of their time, while having fun and making friends themselves. This could be as little as a couple of hours a month.”
The Scout Association will be supporting a whole summer of adventure with a host of free activities for young people and families to try at home. These will range from making your own garden sprinkler to holding a summer snowball fight.
“Every child has the right to adventure,” says Bear. “Nature is the world’s best adventure playground and it’s open to all. I want girls and boys to be able to enjoy that freedom and develop a spirit of optimism, practicality and hope for the future. These are the character skills that Scouting helps young people to develop, helping them succeed in everyday life. None of my challenges need to cost a penny so there’s no excuse to spend the next six weeks on the couch. That’s why I want this Summer to be known as the ‘Summer of Adventure’.”