New Chief Scout in Summer 2009
The Scout Association is looking for a replacement for Peter Duncan as the Chief Scout when his term runs out in 2009.
The Chief Scout is the volunteer Leader of the Scout Movement in the UK. With half-a-million members Scouting is the largest youth movement for girls and boys in the UK, and is part of the largest global peace movement in the world. Scouting is a multi-cultural, multi-faith and growing organisation with an active programme of adventure and fun
Including Peter Duncan there have been nine Chief Scouts, the first was obviously Lord Robert Baden-Powell (aka BP) (Left) who started the Scouting Movement.
Peter has been the Chief Scout since July 2004 and in his time has seen international events such as the International Scout Jamboree 2007 and the Centenary of Scouting. His work as a volunteer has been fantastic and to have someone famous in the role has (in my humble opinion) done no end of good in bringing up the public awareness of Scouting in the UK.
So, who to replace him? I have heard some particularly strange suggestions, such as Richard Hammond (of Top Gear fame), Ellen Macarthur (the blubby, crying sailing woman). My suggestion? Ray Mears. Who better? With his almost legendary bushcraft skills, recent fame with his TV series and books, and his dedication to his craft I think he would be a fantastic boss.
Any other suggestions for a new Chief Scout? I am absolutely certain that Dave will have an opinion…
6 Responses to “New Chief Scout in Summer 2009”
Dave - June 2nd, 2008
An opinion? Me? Surely not!
Ray Mears would be great for the movement.
…actually, let me rephrase that - Ray Mears would be great for the public profile of the movement. Only a complete shakeup of the movement would be any good for it - repair the damage done by years of uneven political correctness, dishonest spin, corporate profiteering, kiss-arsing, modernising, power-seeking, curriculumising, all surface - no feeling “scouting is succeeding nationally” (while groups fail and close every weak), attitude.
The Chief Scout wields no real power - he is a figurehead. Scouting is run by the minority of Scouters who are so in love with themselves that they seek to impose their will on everybody - forcing the ’cause-de-jour’ (be it diversity, equality, child safety, whatever) down everybody’s throat.
Oh, wait….I guess I did have an opinion after all!
Ray Mears would get my vote, but I suspect he would decline.
Ian - June 3rd, 2008
I second that, I can also put you in contact with his PR woman if you would like her details.
Hammond For CS - Facebook Group - Cornell Finch - June 14th, 2008
[...] in Scouting I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Peter Duncan is due to complete his tenure as Chief Scout in 2009. I also mentioned at the time that I thought Ray Mears would be an excellent [...]
Neil Johnstone - June 23rd, 2008
Yes Ray Mears would make a great Chief.I hadn’t actually thought about him but now that his name has come up He would be a good choice. I was disappointed that Peter didn’t visit all his areas as his forerunners did.Maybe the next Chief will as Scouts do want to see and meet him…Here’s hoping !!
Neil, old but still active Scout.
Tony - October 24th, 2008
I am pleased that Dave is so vocal on scouting. Us leaders on the front line are still encouraging young people to push their boundaries in a way not available in other organisations. Diversity of activities are the key. The spin and PC attitude of the world media is always looking for ways to knock scouting and its members.
As much as I know and respect Ray Mears, modern day scouting is more than just survival skills. If as you rightly say the Chief scout is an idol/figurehead then why not pick an ambassador for the peace message of scouting and a former scout, choose Sir David Attenborough.
Ruthie - November 27th, 2008
I would like to vote for Richard Hammond actually. I feel the young people in Scouting would appreciate him much more that Ray Mears, whilst as I am aware is a fantastic bush man but he hasn’t got the charisma of Little Richard :-) A very tired but always eager CSL
Leave a Reply