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Blog | 08 February 2023

10 questions for our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls

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As part of the search for the Unsung Heroes 2023, we chatted to Bear Grylls about why he’s so proud of Scouts as a youth movement.

Bear Grylls gives a thumbs up to camera wearing Scouts hoodie and stripy necker scarf with trees in background

1. What’s your best memory of Scouts? 

So many to choose from! The Windsor Day of Celebration and Achievement is always so special; to be able to honour so many young people’s journey and effort to reach the top and earn their Queen’s Scouts Awards. And to see their parents and carers’ faces of pride is something I’ll always remember. And so many of the Meritorious Conduct award recipients too - those stories are always so powerful, often heartbreaking, but stories of quiet courage and Scouting heroism.

But, maybe my favourite moments are the smaller unseen ones, such as a volunteer helping a young Beaver tie a friendship knot on their necker, or an Explorer Scout giving their first presentation in front of their peers. It’s simply the act of service and being able to share in some life moments alongside our young people that always moves me the most.

2. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

The simple power of courage, kindness and a never give up spirit. Those three things carry people far in life and set people apart.

Bear congratulated his Unsung Heroes 2022 at a special event at the Bear Grylls Adventure Centre at the NEC in Birmingham

3. Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever woken up? 

To be honest, the place I feel most happy is our small island hideaway in North Wales, which where I feel most at home. We have no mains electricity or water, and we run everything totally off grid, but our three boys, my wife, Shara, and I are happier there than anywhere else.  

4. What’s your best childhood memory?

Climbing, messing around and having adventures with my late father. He was a former Commando, and he was always such a big inspiration to me. He taught me to survive and climb from a young age, and he encouraged me to have big dreams and that it was OK to fail a few times along the way. And to be a good friend to people on the journey. All those were his values.

Bear poses with a Squirrel wearing a red jumper, while holding up a certificate.
Bear with an Unsung Hero of 2022 Edward, 4, who helped organise a sponsored scoot/cycle/walk/run

5. Can you give us a great camping/outdoors tip?

Great survivors are defined in their attitude more than their skills. In the wild, positivity, resourcefulness, courage, determination and a sense of humour conquers so much. When with dealing with other people, know that  kindness and humility are at the heart of it all.

6. What food is guaranteed to cheer you up?

Homemade banana ice cream, with double cream! 

7. What do you consider the most useful ‘skill for life?’

Being willing to fail. Not being afraid to go for things and to take a few risks. Failure is never failure, but it’s more like a stepping stone to success. As Robert Baden-Powell said, never say die until you’re dead!

Bear Grylls poses with an Explorer while holding up a certificate.
Bear with Nicole, 17, an Unsung Hero of 2022, raises awareness of young people with illness

8. Why should leaders nominate Scouts as Unsung Heroes?

Because our movement thrives on the unsung heroes, who quietly face incredible odds and come through. Scouts is made great by those who serve others and ask for no reward. Being able to recognise and celebrate those sorts of people amongst us (and there are many!) is truly humbling and inspiring. 

9. What’s the best thing about being Chief Scout?

Well, it’s simply the biggest honour in my life. To stand alongside so many heroes, of every age, and know that together we are part of something so incredible. Scouts is the greatest youth movement on Earth and such an inspiring force for good. From the stories of courage in refugee camps, to the inner-city work of volunteers, the commitment and values that Scouts stands for is inspirational. I could not be prouder to be a small cog in the incredible machine and family that is Scouts.

10. What are you looking forward to?

World Scout Jamboree in South Korea 2023. It’s going to be epic! 

Help us find the Chief Scout's Unsung Heroes 2023

We’re on the lookout for 20 young people who’ve really gone above and beyond.

Nominate a young person
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