Bear Grylls, the television adventurer and Chief Scout, has written to a Scout group in Purley to congratulate the volunteers on their work.
Bear hug: the Chief Scout has been impressed by the work of the 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group
The 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group meets at the Scout Hut, off Hillars Heath Road, Coulsdon CR5 2JP.
Due to high demand from Croydon teenagers wanting challenge and adventure, the group is expanding its Explorer Scout provision for boys and girls aged 14 to 18.
The group’s rapid growth in numbers attracted this message from Chief Scout Grylls: “I’m so proud that the 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group are continuing to grow.
“Since starting in 2018 they have successfully opened Beavers (six- to eight-year-olds), Cubs (eight- to 10-year-olds), Scouts (10–to-14-year-olds), and are now opening Explorers in September.
“They have 160 youth members and already have 50 young people waiting to join the new Explorer Scout unit. This is good news for Scouts and good news for the local community, too.
“What an amazing team they are, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything they’ve achieved. They have welcomed children and young people from across Croydon into their Scout Group. They’ve equipped them with skills for life – helping them play their part in the local community. They’ve learnt the power of believing in themselves and others and how together they can do so much more.
Finding a way: Croydon youngsters who have joined the 30th Purley Masjid group have learned many new skills
“They’ve camped together, cooked together, learnt digital skills; discovered more about their area and helped bring the community closer together, too.
“They’ve met new and different people outside their school and local area, helping them gain new perspectives. Scouts has given them the courage to learn more, do more and be more.
“I’m so proud of everything the 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group have achieved – not least the incredible kindness and generosity of our adult volunteers who make it possible. These are ordinary people from local communities who make an extraordinary difference.
“To be a volunteer in Scouts you don’t need incredible outdoor skills or know how to use a map and compass. We can teach you all that. What’s really needed is a smile, patience and willingness to share a little time to help others. I promise you’ll get back 10 times what you put in – including new skills, new friends, and a renewed sense of the difference we can make when we work together.
“The team at the 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group have already done so much in the last few years. But just think what they can do by opening Explorers later in the year! They’re unstoppable and I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. Be part of this amazing success story and volunteer today.
“A very big thank you to every Scout, parent, carer, and volunteer who’s made this happen. Together, we’re a force for good, helping shape a new generation.”
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