When two of my favourite pastimes, Scouting and Minis, converge I am a happy camper!

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 replacement.

It would seem that Facebook people would like to see Richard Hammond as Chief Scout. Now, I’ve got nothing against the guy, but would you really want someone who has to associate with Clarkson as the Chief Scout. Admittedly, he’s regularly in the press (mainly because he can’t get in a car without crashing it) and on TV (Top Gear, obviously) but I don’t see how a car journalist has anything in common with Scouting.

At least Ray Mears lives the outdoor life, using his skills to live off the land, not tearing it up in the latest Lamborghini or Ferrari. I still say Ray Mears. I might even start an apposing Facebook group for Ray Mears to become CS. Would you join?

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…

I found a great little piece on eScouts “defining” the difference between Scout Leaders and Cub Leaders:

Cub leaders being of a more caring considerate sympathetic nature.
Scout Leaders being a more get up and get on with it nature.

Cub Leaders more motherly
Scout Leaders more fatherly

Cub Leaders get in the way
Scout Leaders get things done

Cub Leaders organise and do
Scout Leaders delegate and show

Beaver leaders need a medal

This is a great description of the differences, mentally, for a leader. It suits better to the old system where there were only Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts. Now we have the Explorers and Scout Network, I sometimes can’t help but feel that the Scout Troop is just a bridge between Cubs (babysitting the young person for 90 minutes every week) and Explorers (get to do the really cool stuff).

Ok, so as Scout Leaders we get to train the Scouts to do the exciting stuff, but how much do they really get to do now with all the rule changes and health and safety laws being implemented?

I get to go on the water in a boat every Thursday, but since I’ve been back in Scouting I have only seen the Scouts do what I would call traditional¹ Scouting in the run up to the annual RN inspection in January.

As for Beaver leaders, they don’t need a medal, they need a knighthood, and then locking in a mental institute! I mean, come one! Who in their right mind wants to work with 6 year olds for no pay???