Chief Scout Dwayne Fields calls for access to adventure in his first visit to Scotland
In his first visit to Scotland Chief Scout Dwayne Fields calls for every young person to have the opportunity to explore and benefit from Scotland’s great outdoors.
The adventurer and TV presenter who was appointed to lead Scouting across the UK, including Scotland’s 35,000 Scouts and 11,000 adult volunteers last September, will make the call on his first visit to Scotland as he joins Scouts and their leaders in Auchterarder for their annual Highland Adventure Camp.
The 700 young people taking part will enjoy a wide range of adventurous and skill-building activities—from tomahawk throwing and bridge building to bubble football and backwoods cooking. Over the weekend, they’ll experience a mix of land, water, and skills-based challenges.
Credit: Andrew McBroom
These hands-on activities aren’t just great fun—they also help young people build confidence, resilience, and essential life skills in a safe and inclusive environment.
Dwayne said:
“Being outdoors is so important for us mentally and physically, but young people are spending less time outside than ever before. Going on an adventure like this one isn’t just amazing fun, it helps kids to develop the vital life skills they need to thrive in their relationships and communities, at school and in their future careers.”
Dwayne credits the self-belief that has taken him across the Arctic and Antarctic to the belief his Scout leaders had in him as a young person.
Since his appointment as Chief Scout, he has made it a priority to broaden access to volunteering and Scouting opportunities, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds can benefit from the valuable skills development, connection to nature, and wellbeing support that Scouting offers.
Dwayne added:
“Scotland’s great outdoors is the nation’s most valuable learning resource, but I know lots of young people, and particularly those affected by poverty or from the inner cities like me, will never have the opportunity to experience an adventure like this one. Scouts want to change that. We’re investing in adventure to support every young person in Scotland to thrive, regardless of their background.”
Credit: Andrew McBoom
Scouts Scotland operates in more than 500 communities across Scotland, including over 100 in areas of relative deprivation (SIMD 1-3). Studies by the University of Edinburgh and Demos have shown that participation in Scouts improves young people’s wellbeing and employability throughout their lives.
The organisation’s commitment to reach communities facing barriers to participation in Scouts has to the setup of 15 new sections in SIM 1-3 areas in the last year. Five groups have also opened with the support of minority and refugee communities, with two more set to launch this year.
Chief Volunteer of Scotland, Barry Donald-Hewitt added:
“Scouting is a place where young people find belonging, learn vital skills for life, and grow in confidence to fulfil their potential. But too many young people, especially those in disadvantaged areas and minority communities, are still missing out.We need more volunteers to help us change that, not because our volunteers are leaving but because demand is at an all time high. Just a small amount of time can make a huge difference to young people. With more adult support, we can reach every young person who wants to join scouting.”
