On Saturday afternoon Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout, took to the
stage (as we all ate cake) to share some reflections on his role
and the importance of Reunion.
He opened by saying “I want to say a huge Thank you to every
one of you. I count myself as lucky to be an ambassador since 2017
and Chief Scout for 2 years. Time is one of the most precious things
we have.” Dwayne went on to reflect that the first place he had to
belong was as at Cubs. His leaders welcomed him in and made him
feel part of what was happening.
Reunion Express briefly caught up with Dwayne before his address.
He explained what Reunion’s 100th event meant to him. “Very few
organisations can celebrate 100 anything. Reunion is something
that’s stayed from conception. Its impact is seen in us meeting with
friends, sharing ideas and furthering the culture of scouts. 100 events
on look at where we are! We’ve continued to grow and moved with
the times. But we’re still relevant.”
During his address Dwayne reflected on the time and effort that
volunteers make not only week to week, but in your communities
and further afield. “That fact you give up your time to make a
difference to your communities. I wouldn’t be here without people
like you. The difference you make now might not be obvious now;
you may not see it firsthand.”
When asked by CJ, Deputy UK Chief Volunteer, of the highlights
of his first two years as Chief Scout it was clear that the highlight
had been visiting different areas of the UK especially the camps.
Dwayne spoke passionately of seeing young people experiencing
new things and challenging themselves in ways they didn’t know
they could be.
Finally, Dwayne had some words of inspiration for our Youth Leads
as they prepared for the hand over. To Ayesha: “she’s been an
amazing lead and someone I have been inspired by”. For Satvika
as she takes on the mantel “make the role your own. You’ve been
chosen, believe that you are the right person. You have the power,
influence and support to make the role your own.”
Time is one of the most precious things we have