The 30th Purley Masjid Scouts are continuing to grow. Since starting in 2018 they have successfully opened Beavers (6–8-year-olds), Cubs (8–10-year-olds), Scouts (10–14-year-olds) and have this month opened Al Ayyubi Explorer Scout Unit (14–18-year-olds). This is good news for young people and for the local community too.
Explorer Scouts is all about encouraging young people to try more, see more, and do more. It provides them with the chance to dream big, find their place, be accepted, and make memories and friends that will last a lifetime. The Scouts, bring people together and build stronger communities. But most of all, they help young people see that anything’s possible.
Twenty teenagers were welcomed into the Al Ayyubi Explorer Scouts at a special event held at Royal Russell School (by kind permission of the Head). The Explorer Scouts made their Scout Promise in front of their friends, family, supporters, and members of the local community. They were presented with their scarves by HM The King representative for The London Borough of Croydon Colonel Ray Wilkinson MStJ QVRM TD DL VR.
HM King Charles (Patron of the Scout Association) sent a letter of congratulations ‘’ Please convey my warmest thanks to the Members of the 30th Purley Masjid Scout Group for their loyal greetings, sent on the occasion of the formal opening of their Explorer Scout Section.
As your Patron, I much appreciate your thoughtfulness in writing as you did. In return, I send my warmest good wishes to you all for a memorable and successful opening HM King Charles.’’
Assim, Group Lead volunteer said ‘’ This new section gives us a chance to inspire the next generation of leaders. Whether they become leaders in Scouting or some other organisation – the point being they become Leaders for themselves. Confident individuals who have the chance to grow in the safe space environment and make an impact in the world, because the Young People of today need to become strong Value based Leaders for the future world.
Final point is to remember the wise words from the Founder of the Scout movement; Lord Baden Powell: “to leave this world a little better than we found it.” It’s all on every one of us to do our bit… the greatness of the future literally depends on it. ‘’
Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout said ‘’I’m incredibly pleased that the Al Ayyubi Explorer Scouts have opened in Purley. This means we will now have more young people in the local community making friends, building their confidence, and gaining skills that will prepare them for life and work.
When I was young, as quite a shy kid, I remember walking into my local Scout meeting place and getting such a warm welcome. I found people who believed in me, and that helped me believe in myself. This set me a path to adventure – taking me to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands and even the North Pole.
Now I’m so pleased that more young people in Purley will get the same chance I did – to discover their talents and find their place in the world.’’
In a recent poll 94% of Scouts said they had developed useful skills. 88% said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before. Scouts offers over two hundred activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing.
The team have already done so much over the last few years and this success story has now continued with the opening of the Explorer Scouts. The young people are looking forward to taking part in activities and adventures, encouraged to ask the bigger questions, think on their feet, be part of a team always have a plan B up their sleeves.
30th Purley Masjid Scout Group meet at Scout Hut, off Hillars Heath Road, Coulsdon CR5 2JP. To find out more about the Group or if you can volunteer and share your skills, please contact the team at www.pmscouts.com/contact
