Surprise VIP invests local Explorer Scouts

Four members from 27th Rotherham Scout Group received an unusual introduction to explorer scouting after being invested by one of the most senior members of the scouting movement.

John May, vice chairman of the World Scout Movement, visited the UK to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Network Russia - a group of adult leaders created to strengthen links between Russian and UK scouts.

The 27th Rotherham scouts from Woodsetts were waiters for the evening to raise funds for their planned expedition to Russia next summer.

The Russian theme was inspired by the visit of Endrey Emelin, president of the Russian Scout Association. As the dinner plates were cleared John agreed to invest four Scouts into the Explorer section.

Barry Dale, president of 27th Rotherham Scout Group, said: “When young people are invested as Explorer Scouts we always try and make sure that it’s a memorable occasion.”

“In the past we have seen Explorers invested on the top of mountains and even in the middle of a river, but it’s safe to say being invested by such a senior member of the organisation with the president of the Russian Scout Association is a genuine first.”

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