Dwayne Fields, a celebrated adventurer and the first black Briton to reach the North Pole, has been named the UK’s new chief scout, succeeding the renowned TV personality Bear Grylls. Fields has expressed his commitment to modernizing the scouts and attracting new members, particularly those who might have been discouraged by outdated notions of scouting.
Dwayne Fields: From Jamaica to the North Pole
Born in Jamaica and raised in inner city London, Fields’ journey to becoming chief scout is nothing short of inspiring. He emigrated to the UK at the age of six and discovered a passion for nature through the Scouts. Reflecting on his childhood, Fields recalls, “I remember being seven years old and walking into that Cub Scouts hut in Palmers Green in north London, and I never thought I belonged anywhere until the moment I walked into that hut.” The Scouts were a pivotal part of his upbringing, instilling in him a sense of belonging and self-confidence.
In 2013, Fields became the first black Briton to reach the North Pole, a testament to his determination and adventurous spirit. His career since has been filled with accomplishments in television and adventure, including recreating historic Antarctic expeditions for popular TV series.
A Vision for Inclusive Scouting
Fields vows to reshape scouting by making it inclusive for all, regardless of background. His goal is to attract young people from inner cities and underrepresented communities. He believes that these groups might view scouting as outdated but insists, “Scouting is a family for absolutely anyone.” He hopes to serve as a role model by demonstrating that scouting can be relevant and accessible to everyone.
Fields is particularly concerned about the decline in traditional outdoor skills like camping, knot-tying, and bridge-building, which he believes are at risk. “The more we get young people to go outside and be active in the outdoors, the more they’ll appreciate it and want to safeguard it going forward,” he said.
In his new role, Fields aims to expand the reach of scouting by enhancing the organization’s appeal and accessibility. His focus will be on growth and increasing volunteer engagement, ensuring that more young people benefit from the sense of belonging that scouting offers.
Carl Hankinson, the UK chief volunteer at the Scouts, expressed his excitement about Fields’s appointment, stating, “He champions the sense of belonging Scouts gives young people. He is able to reach across generations, to further expand reach across all communities.”
Sophia Sanyahumbi, a 17-year-old Explorer Scout, praised Fields’s dedication to making a difference, noting, “I had the pleasure of spending time with him this week and can tell he is passionate about making sure more young people get the chance to join the Scouts.”
As Fields embarks on his tenure as chief scout, his legacy is anticipated to be one of inclusivity and growth, echoing his belief that scouting is a family for everyone.
