New Chief Scout
New UK Chief Scout
Following the announcement on Sunday 17th May at Baden Powell House, we are pleased to announce that the new UK Chief Scout is Bear Grylls
Information: Bear (Edward Michael) Grylls is the 10th; and youngest Chief Scout, aged 34. Having been involved in scouting, he then joined the Territorial Army as a Special Forces 21 SAS Trooper, and military service saw him trained in combat survival, parachuting, demolitions, trauma medics and mountain warfare. During one parachute jump he sustained a massive injury breaking his back in three places. After intense military rehabilitation, he made a full recovery and went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers to reach the summit of Everest. He has since been awarded an honorary commission in the Royal Navy as a Lieutenant-Commander, in recognition of his adventurous feats and his determination to help charities and young people. Bear is an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and a Vice President of the JoLT trust which helps young people from troubled backgrounds. Bear actually lives in Wiltshire, is married to Shara and has three sons, aged under six. He try's to balance work as well as supporting various causes, but ultimately his family is top priority and from his view needs to be carefully protected. A practising Christian, Bear's faith is fundamental to him, and he sees it as a backbone and a rock to his family. Bear has travelled extensively to every continent in the world and speaks both French and Spanish, and has a deep respect for diverse faiths and cultures.
Achievements include: Served for 3 years with the SAS (TA), Youngest Briton to summit Everest, Completed the first unassisted crossing of the North Atlantic in an open rigid inflatable boat, Led the first team to circumnavigate Britain on Jet Skis, Set a world record for the first ever formal open-air dinner party in a hot air balloon at 25,000 feet and flew a powered paraglider over Everest raising 2.5 million dollars for children's charities worldwide, including the RNLI.
Television: Born Survivors and Escape to the Legion (Channel 4) and Man vs. Wild and Ultimate Survivor (Discovery Channel)
Quotes:
Philosophy - Follows your dreams and look after your family and friends
Scouting - Its outdoor adventure backed up by strong values and good friendships
Faith - Its about knowing that we are loved despite our many failings, and that's Christianity in a nutshell
Note: A handover from Peter Duncan to Bear Grylls will be undertaken in July, at a undetermined date and location, which will be annouced as soon as possible.
New UK Chief Commissioner
Following an announcement on Sunday 17th May at Baden Powell House, we are pleased to reveal that a new appointment has been created, that of UK Chief Commissioner. This position in essence; replaces and enhances the previous position of Deputy Chief Scout which will be discontinued: the new position reflects the role that this individual will actually undertake, giving volunteer leadership 
and management with scouting. We are pleased to announce that the newly appointed UK Chief Commissioner is Wayne Bulpitt.
Information: Having previously been Island Commissioner for the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Wayne has also been the Chairman of the Committee of the Council and more recently Chief Commissioner England (South), and is highly respected by all who know him. Wayne lives in Guernsey and can best be described as successful businessman and social entrepreneur. This new position will also see him as act as Trustee of the Scout Association
Bear Grylls will be the new Chief Scout of the UK Scout Association. The famous adventurer takes over when current Chief Scout, former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan, completes his five year tenure in July.
When asked why he chose to volunteer for the UK’s largest mixed youth movement, Bear said: ‘In short, because I love adventure and I love hanging out with good friends. For me this is what Scouting is about.’
Born on 7 June 1974, Bear Grylls will be the youngest ever Chief Scout.
He first got involved in Scouting aged eight asa Cub Scout. Bear attributes this time as part of the inspiration behind his adult adventures presenting TV shows such as Born Survivor: ‘So much of who we are as an adult is formed when we are kids,’ said Bear. ‘What Scouting says to people is: “it’s okay to go for it in life”.
‘Every child has a right to have an adventure. Life is about grabbing opportunities. The prizes don’t always go to the biggest, the best and the strongest – they go to those who persevere. These are simple life lessons that Scouting teaches people.’
The Chief Scout provides inspiration for the 100,000 adult volunteers involved in Scouting across the UK.
The position was created in 1920 with the appointment of Robert Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout Movement in 1908.
Working together for Scouting
Working in partnership with Bear will be Scouting volunteer Wayne Bulpitt, who takes on the new role of UK Chief Commissioner. Wayne will focus on providing leadership to all volunteers within Scouting. Like Bear, Wayne’s Scouting began when he joined as a Cub Scout.
‘I am delighted to have been invited to take on this position at such an exciting time,’ said Wayne. ‘The successes of the last few years mean that we are well placed to make the most of a high public profile and fulfil our vision of providing personal development and exciting opportunities to increasing numbers of young people.’
Bear Grylls & Peter Duncan at Baden Powell House on Sunday 17th May, during the National Conference and New Chief Scout Announcement
Providing adventure to the UK’s young people
Bear and Wayne join 100,000 Scout volunteers who give up their time to provide adventurous activities to 400,000 6-25 year olds.
Scouting is more popular than ever, with adult volunteering increasing at the fastest rate for 23 years and just as many girls as boys now joining Scouting. Despite this, demand still outstrips supply and waiting lists remain at an all-time high due to the need for more adult volunteers.
By volunteering for Scouting you not only benefit from supporting young people, you also gain from developing yourself.
There are lots of flexible volunteering opportunities.