How Bob’s Gallantry Award teaches us the power of inclusion in Scouts
Born with a congenital bone condition, Bob’s faced lots of physical challenges throughout his life. Despite this, he’s dedicated over 55 years to Scouts and he’s recently been honoured with a Gallantry Award for his exceptional work in promoting inclusion. From everything he’s learned, read his top tips for making your Scout Group more inclusive.
Bob was born with a condition that severely impacted the development of his bones and he’s faced lots of physical challenges from an early age. His condition affected both femurs and ribs, leaving him with weakened bones, multiple fractures, and a significant difference in leg length. Over time, Bob's mobility decreased, leading him to rely on crutches and a mobility buggy.
Despite these challenges, Bob has never let his disability define him.
His commitment to Scouts has been unwavering. From running a Scout Troop for 11 years to playing a pivotal role in creating a campsite for WINGS International, Bob has always led by example. He’s most proud of his work in promoting inclusion, especially for young people with disabilities, helping them feel accepted and empowered within the Scouts community.
I do what needs to be done. If I can’t do it, I don’t do it.
Bob
Bob’s journey is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a goal, but a fundamental part of who we are at Scouts.
Inclusion in action: Bob's tips for Scout volunteers
Sometimes volunteers struggle if they don’t understand a child’s condition. Bob emphasises the importance of doing your homework. ‘Research the condition and talk to your inclusion team and their parents/carers to find out more about it’, he advises.
If you have a member with additional needs, preparation is key. Bob recommends having a clear plan and open communication with parents/carers. Outlining expectations and support together can make a huge difference.
Bob worked with a team of about 15 people. They were all specialists in different aspects of inclusion, who volunteers could send their queries to in his District. He encourages volunteers to reach out for help when they need it. ‘If I can’t solve it, there’ll be someone else I can send it to’, he says.
Young people are resilient and often see no boundaries or differences. Bob’s approach is to focus on what each individual can do, rather than their limitations. This mindset helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
At Scouts, we accommodate everyone, but it’s important to recognise your limits and ask for help when you need to. Work with parents/carers and other volunteers in your District to get young people the right support and help them settle with a Section that are best equipped to support their needs.
Reflecting on his journey, Bob humbly acknowledges his Gallantry Award as a recognition of the collective efforts of the teams he’s worked with. He attributes his success to the support and freedom his parents gave him and the welcoming spirit of the Scouts community.
Creating an inclusive environment isn’t just about making accommodations. It’s about recognising the potential in every young person and helping them achieve it. So, take a page out of Bob’s book: do your research, engage with your inclusion team, know your limits, and communicate openly. In doing so, you’ll not only make Scouts more inclusive – you’ll make it stronger.
Inspired to make your group more inclusive?
We’ve got plenty of resources to help you make your Scout group more accessible.