Latest news with #DwayneFields
BBC News
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Dwayne Fields: UK's chief scout aims to get young people outside
The UK's chief scout went from "spending every waking moment" outdoors in his native Jamaica as a child to feeling like his "independence was taken" when he moved to London. Dwayne Fields says he wants to help ensure all young people are able to enjoy the outdoors through the Scouts, particularly those in urban areas like the explorer and presenter took on the role as the ceremonial head of the UK's largest youth organisation from Bear Grylls last told BBC London he aims to champion the importance of outdoor skills and make the Scout movement "a family for absolutely anyone". Having moved to the UK at the age of six, Fields grew up in east and north said he faced difficulties adapting to life in his early years, particularly at school."I struggled in every aspect of school. I couldn't make friends. I struggled to read," he recalled. Fields attended his first Scouts meeting in Palmers Green, north London, when taken there by chance by his friend's mother. He said he was initially "terrified" but the promise to "make some friends" was the key for him going inside."I never thought I belonged anywhere until the moment I walked into that hut," he said. After moving from the area, Fields said he spent years "searching for what I had found in that Scout group, which was friendship, which was the chance to be myself".He said his youth in London was challenging having experienced street violence and homelessness. According to reports, he was stabbed twice when he was 19 after an altercation outside a 21, he says he had a gun pointed at him and only survived because the weapon jammed. In 2010, Fields went on an expedition to the North Pole - becoming the first black Briton to do so - and has since presented programmes for Channel 5, Disney+ and National was later invited by the Scouts to become an ambassador for the organisation and held the role for seven years before becoming chief scout. "If I can do something to say thank you, if I can do something to encourage more people to get involved, if I could do something to encourage more people to volunteer... then absolutely I will," he explorer said his main goal in the role was to "further the movement to get scouting in areas where it wasn't before". 'Told to stay inside' "I had lots of access to outdoor spaces," Fields said, reflecting on his early childhood in Jamaica. "If I wanted to swing, I'd climb that tree or throw a rope up over the tree, tie it, and you know, I was very hands on."I remember when I first came to the UK, it wasn't the same." The adventurer said he was "told to stay inside" and the natural world was "no longer accessible". As well as improving health, Fields said the outdoors could foster confidence and teamwork among young people."Many young people now don't necessarily see themselves as belonging in spaces like this," he added."This field, this forest, this woodland, this green space, this tree, these logs. They belong to you just as much as they belong to anyone else."
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Driffield's Dylan Austin in Portugal for 16th World Scout Moot
An architectural assistant from Driffield is taking part in a global Scout gathering. Dylan Austin is currently with nearly 500 UK Scouts at the 16th World Scout Moot in Portugal. Around 9,000 Scouts aged 18 to 25 from around the world have gathered for the event. The Moot began on July 25 in Tejo Park in Lisbon, and will conclude in Porto. Mr Austin said: "I'm feeling excited and nervous, all combined into one. "I'm heading out to a coastal town which will be filled with hiking, reflection, and history, and I can't wait. (Image: Supplied) "I'm looking forward to really immersing myself in the Portuguese culture and meeting local Scouts and people." The Moot includes a four-day expedition, during which participants join Scouts from other countries to travel one of 100 routes through remote areas of Portugal. Following the expedition, Mr Austin and others will regroup for further Scouting activities, cultural exchange, and skills development at a camp base in Ovar before the closing ceremony. This year's World Scout Moot theme is 'engage,' with the intention of encouraging Scouts to connect with others in understanding and friendship. Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, said: "A massive good luck to Dylan and all the UK Scouts who are at the World Scout Moot. "This is an amazing opportunity to discover yourself and the world around us, while exploring how you can create meaningful change. "The true international spirit of Scouting will shine through, with so many chances to learn from other Scouts around the world. "I know each UK Scout attending will grab the opportunity to create memories, friendships, and skills to last a lifetime. "We know that too many young people today grow up unhappy and worried about their future. "Scouts aims to change that. "We give young people a chance to belong and a place to be themselves." The People's Postcode Lottery has helped to make the UK Scouts' expedition possible.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Kirkcudbright Scout undergoing brain tumour treatment receives Unsung Hero Award
Hazel Dempster was one of just 20 young Scots from across the UK chosen to receive the accolade from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields. A Kirkcudbright Scout who is being treated for a brain tumour has received one of the movement's top awards. Hazel Dempster was chosen to receive an Unsung Hero Award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at the organisation's home in London's Gilwell Park. She was one of just 20 young Scouts chosen out of 475,000 Scouts from across the UK to receive the award, which recognises acts of outstanding bravery and selflessness. She said: 'I'm surprised and proud at receiving Dwayne's heroes award. It was great to meet him and talk with him.' The citation for Hazel's nomination read: 'Hazel is an amazing young person, a fantastic young leader who takes time to engage the quieter Scouts and includes everybody helping them to do their best. 'Hazel has been receiving treatment in recent years for a brain tumour, going through chemotherapy and now a newer form of treatment, but through this, she continues to carry on with Scouts and making a difference to other young people. She doesn't let her treatment stop her. 'She enjoys helping out, comes up with creative ways to help make Scouting as enjoyable as possible for the Scouts whilst also gaining leadership and teamwork skills. 'She also regularly takes it upon herself to fundraise for the Kirkcudbright Scout group, baking to raise donations, taking part in larger bake sales as well as helping at fundraising stalls.' The Unsung Heroes Award is a coveted personal achievement which recognises the amazing skills and endeavours of young people across the Scouts community – from Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and people in the Scout Network. The winners were nominated by Scout volunteers for their outstanding bravery and leadership in the community, showing skills and qualities which are learned by being part of the Scouts and subsequently taken through life. Winners were chosen by an experienced panel of Scout Ambassadors led by the Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. He said: 'A huge congratulations to the winners of this remarkable award for acts of courage and selflessness in the community. Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values. 'I want to thank you for your dedication and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement.'
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Rhuddlan child wins Unsung Heroes Award from Scouts UK
Charlotte 'Lottie' Dawson was awarded the Unsung Heroes Award by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields at a ceremony on May 9. The award is given to those who have shown outstanding bravery and selflessness in their community. Lottie, who joined the Squirrel Scouts at the age of five, was recognised for her determination and resilience in the face of a medical condition. She had a developmental displacement of her hip, which required surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Following the surgery, Lottie had to wear a full body cast and underwent a long period of care and physiotherapy to enable her to walk again. Despite this, she has not let her medical condition hold her back. Donna, Squirrel Scout lead at 1st Rhuddlan, said: "Lottie shows incredible resilience and determination, never letting her medical condition hold her back. "As a Squirrel Drey we are immensely proud of her." Lottie is always eager to help new Squirrel Scouts settle into the Drey and participates in every outdoor activity. She has also been selected to carry the Squirrel flag on important occasions, including the Remembrance Service. Chief Scout Dwayne Fields said: "A huge congratulations to the winners of this remarkable award for acts of courage and selflessness in the community. "Being part of the Scouts provides young people with skills they take with them through life, and the stories of these young people represent the highest form of Scouting values. "I want to thank you for your dedication and celebrate what is a truly outstanding achievement." READ MORE: Abergele school celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day Lottie, who has now moved to the Beaver Scouts, continues to embrace everything she wants to do, despite some movement being difficult. Her mother, Katie, said: "I am so proud of Lottie and what she is achieving. "She loves Squirrels and wants to go all the way through the movement. "I hope she inspires others to get involved and find their place. "A special credit should go to her Squirrel Leaders (Donna and Chris) who took her under their wings, ensured she felt so welcomed, and whatever the ability of the child everyone is included." The Unsung Heroes Award ceremony took place at the Scouts' home, Gilwell Park, celebrating some of the most courageous young people from across the country. Friends, families and fellow Scouts came together to watch proudly as the young people received the newest Scout award and reflected on their remarkable achievement.
North Wales Chronicle
02-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Anglesey Scout receives highest honour at Windsor Castle
Alys Bailey-Wood was recognised for achieving the King's Scout Award, the highest accolade in Scouting for adventure and skill development. The award is given for outstanding personal achievement and is earned by Scouts aged between 16 and 25. To earn the award, young people must complete a series of challenges, which include serving their community, undertaking an expedition in wild terrain, taking part in a five-day residential project in a new setting, developing an existing talent or learning new skills to build on what they have already gained through the Scouts. The award also enables young people to carry out projects that make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting impression within their communities. Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, congratulated Alys and other awardees at the event on April 27. He said: "Congratulations to each and every one of you on receiving your King's Scout Award. "This is an incredible achievement, and it reflects all the hard work, dedication, and passion you've put into your Scout journey. "You've shown great leadership, made a real difference, and embraced the true spirit of Scouts. "This award is not only a recognition of all you've done, but also a reminder of the amazing things you're capable of in the future. "I can't wait to see what's next for you. "Keep looking ahead and leading the way." READ MORE: Bangor to host military parade with RAF flyover for 1,500th anniversary Alys Bailey-Wood said: "Volunteering weekly and thinking about how I could improve my skills for the Scouts was really rewarding. "The international evenings, where I taught recipes from around the world, are a highlight for me. "It felt like a challenge, but it was achievable. "If I can do this, I can help others achieve their top awards, and that's an accomplishment in itself."
