Feeling inspired to Do Our Best

Who better to teach you how to be a Scout, than our Chief Scout himself? Bear Grylls’ latest book, Do Your Best: How to be a Scout, is the inspiring Scouts companion for anyone aged eight to 108, that’ll make you feel ready to take on the world.

With handy ‘how-to’ tips and useful advice, Bear’s with you every step of the way as you prepare for the challenges life might throw at you.

After reading the book, we can honestly say we’ve never felt more motivated to pull on our walking boots, pack our backpacks and be the best Scouts we can be.

An uplifting read

Bear’s book is a warm welcome for anyone new to the movement, and an uplifting reminder of what Scouts is all about for those who’ve been here for years.

He tells us why it’s brilliant to be a Scout. We get to make friends, learn new skills, explore different places, and help others. Even more – we learn to take these experiences away and develop skills for life.

Along with our core values, Bear certainly doesn’t shy aware from the bizarre (yet very cool) things we do as Scouts. Where else would you learn to cook an egg in an orange over the weekend? These unique parts of Scouts remind us just how much fun we have together at our weekly meeting and on camp.

Making it your own

On the first few pages of the book, you’re invited to make it your own. There’s a little ‘About Me’ section you can fill in, which you’ll love looking back on in years to come.

Bear also lets you know that ‘It’s not like an ordinary book. If it gets a little torn, bashed about a bit and smells slightly of woodsmoke, then that’s OK. It’s doing its job.’ It’s not a book to just keep proudly on your shelf – it’s meant to be alongside you on your outdoor adventures.

Getting outdoors

If you’re even remotely outdoorsy, you’ll love the tips and tricks for surviving in the wild. It’s almost impossible to read Bear’s book and not imagine a crackling campfire or the smell of fresh mountain air, especially when he teaches us how to light a fire and find the best place to pitch our tents.

We especially loved reading about the best way to pack. A bulky backpack is neither practical nor comfortable!

With the essentials covered, we’re sure you’ll feel inspired to branch out and try something new on your next camp. Perhaps you’ll try to navigate with the stars, or predict the weather (without being tempted to check the Weather app on your phone).

While feeling more excited about your next rewarding hot chocolate or giggle around the campfire with your friends, it’s important to be ready for the not-so-fun parts of camping. Bear’s included a handy packing checklist for your first aid kit, and lets you know what to do if you or your friend feel unwell. As Scouts, we always make sure we’re prepared.

As well as helping us survive the outdoors, there are plenty of tips for helping the outdoors survive us. Bear’s important messages about looking after the environment has made us feel encouraged to make small changes for the planet.

Surviving the everyday

Whether we’re outdoorsy or not, Bear helps us all become the best version of ourselves. He shares advice on being fit and healthy, being a good friend, and being organised. We’re reminded to be team players and be kind in everything we do.

A key message from Bear is about having courage. It doesn’t matter when things go wrong, we just make sure to learn and move on in the best way. It’s absolutely OK to fail, ask for help and try again. That ‘never give up’ spirit truly shines through on every page.

If you’re ever struggling, Bear’s tips on Getting through tough times can help you navigate a tricky time in your life.

Not just for kids

With sections on the benefits of volunteering and how to be a great volunteer, Bear’s book is a brilliant read for adults, too. There’s no age limit on learning new skills or motivating yourself to help others.

If you’re thinking of new ways to fundraise for an upcoming event, Bear’s got it covered. Perhaps you’re thinking of raising awareness for a great cause, or deciding to do a random act of kindness. You’ll even read about Nicole and Neo, who did brilliant fundraising activities.

Learning something new

As well as the handy tips and tricks, we’ve learned lots of new things about Scouts from Bear’s book. There’s a whole section on inspirational people, and bites of history about fascinating figures, like Dame Ellen MacArthur, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson. We even found out who invented the s’more (which we all love and adore).

A helping hand from a friend

As Scouts, we’re prepared for any situation. Whether your next camp is interrupted by a torrential rainstorm, or you need to rely on an old-fashioned map to find your way home, the friendly, chatty nature of the book truly makes you feel like you’re getting a helping hand from a friend.

Bear reminds you that, even when you’re feeling down, you’re amazing and should believe in yourself. Remember to achieve your dreams, get out of your comfort zone (or ‘comfort pit’ as he calls it), and enjoy everything the world has to offer.