Cambridgeshire Scouts

Ben loves being known in Ely District Scouting. He often gets asked to join other groups on camps, whether it is Beavers, Cubs or Scouts, or to help out on activity weekend and he's always happy to lend a hand to any section of Scouting. He was a young leader with Witchford Cubs for just over two years.

Ben talks enthusiastically about his great moments in Scouting.

"There's so many to say, but I love all the Leaders whether it’s the Leaders from my section or Leaders from other sections. I would like to say a BIG thank you to all of them for helping me out over the years and teaching me all I know now. My favourite camp was the most recent camp. Based on food and survival, we had to cook for ourselves all weekend and keep fires going all the time. Best part was my big apple and blackberry crumble with freshly picked fruit. Everyone really enjoyed it."

As an Explorer Scout, Ben has won a number of challenges such as the 12 hour endurance hike, Marathon 2009 and London Monopoly. Now in his final year as an Explorer Scout, he is planning to get a team together to win the County Explorer Scouts annual activity competition, Mepal 2010.

In his own words, here's what Ben achieved to earn the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award:

"I had to complete my Duke of Edinburgh's Award. For my Physical I did weight lifting at Ely West End Gym with the help of Jared Fortin and Arthur Cutter, for three months.  For my Skill I did gardening, in all types of weather for my neighbour, again for three months. For my Voluntary I helped out at my local book café library for six months, I helped with signing books in and out, and with teas, coffees and cakes. But the best part was the expedition to Derbyshire, started off really nice and hot but then turned cold rainy and snowed early on day two, but our spirits were high, well mine was.

Also I had to choose two tasks to do from the Environmental, Values and International list. I chose to complete my International Friendship Award, which I completed in Denmark in 2008. It was really fun and hot, and being with the Danish Explorer Scouts was great and the activities we did with them were really different. I also chose to take an active part in an Environmental Project in the local community, where I helped with the annual village meadow cut."

And a final word on Scouting from Ben:

"Been doing it nearly 10 years so don’t wont to stop now!"