Scout Radio

Gilwell Reunion 2018 – Dwayne Fields Keynote

Each year Gilwell Reunion is treated to a keynote speaker. This year was the turn of Scout Ambassador Dwayne Fields to entertain the masses with his story of his first experience of Scouting and how it led him to be a Scout Ambassador.

Dwayne, who moved to the UK when he was five, explained how on a chance trip to a Cub Pack where he was only there as he was dropping a friend off changed how he formed relationships

I went from a scared, nervous, anxious, conscious kid to, for the very first time since arriving in the UK, being able to express myself…

…For me the biggest and most powerful that that man [Cub Leader] did was that he looked at me and said “why don’t you come inside”[to the Cub Pack]

Dwayne counts some of those first people he met in Cubs amongst his friends today and explains that whilst he might have been approached to become a Scout Ambassador for his work as an explorer, Dwayne was the first black Briton to walk to the North Pole, he said yes because

Scouting made a difference to my life and I wanted to be a part of making a difference to someone elses.

Dwayne also took time to recognise all of the volunteers that make Scouting the success that is it

“I want to say thank you to every single one of you who volunteers, who plays a part or fundraises or supports or helps any of the Scout Groups up and down this country…the impact that you guys have, you won’t see it today, you might not see it tomorrow, but in 10 or 15 years time you are going to have another little kid like Dwayne saying “You’re the reason why I’m stood here today”.

Before leaving Dwayne, along with Gill Clay, Robert Baden-Powell’s granddaughter, started a ring of neckers, which he is hopeful will be completed next year. If you visit Gilwell make sure you visit the Promise Path and add your own necker.