Bear Grylls is the ultimate scout poster boy. Daring and adventurous, he has climbed Everest , been attacked by bees and hiked with former President Barack Obama. The Eton-educated former soldier, a master of survival, was an easy pick to become the UK’s youngest-ever chief scout aged just 34.
But can his scouting legacy survive after reports emerged he would stand down as chief scout weeks after photos of him baptising controversial comedian Russell Brand became public? On 17 May 2009, The Scout Association announced Grylls would be appointed chief scout following the end of Peter Duncan‘s five-year term in July 2009. He was officially made chief scout in front of over 3,000 scouts. He said: “When I became chief scout in 2009, it was one of the proudest moments of my life.
With every passing day since, I’ve become even more inspired by the dedication of our leaders and volunteers, who tirelessly prepare young people with skills for life. “Together, we have grown our movement, given young people the voice they deserve and welcomed so many new communities to the Scouts. It’s all about delivering chances to young people where they are needed most.
My goal remains the same: to encourage and stand up for young people in all they do.” He is the tenth person to hold the position and the youngest chief scout since the role was created for Robert Baden-Powell in 1920. The House of Commons tabled a motion congratulating Bear Grylls on his appointment.
In 2015 the Scout A.
