Survival expert, television presenter and Scouting ambassador Bear Grylls OBE has congratulated a scout group in Wiltshire on their new explorer unit.

Warminster Explorer Scouts opened its second unit in April 2024 due to an increased demand from young people wanting to get involved.

The volunteer-run group, open to males and females aged 14 to 17, offers team building and problem-solving activities, camping, paddle boarding, abseiling, and more.

After having caught the attention of the biggest name in outdoor adventuring, Bear Grylls has now personally congratulated the Warminster group for the impact it is making in the community.

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“I’m so proud that the Warminster Explorer Scouts have opened a second unit and I’m so excited to see the positive impact the two Warminster Explorer Scout Units will be making in the community,” he said.

He continued: “This means that over 30 teenagers in Warminster will be gaining skills for life and making new friends, preparing them for a brighter future.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Warminster Explorer Scouts helps young people in Wiltshire get outdoors and learn vital new skills while making friends for life.Warminster Explorer Scouts helps young people in Wiltshire get outdoors and learn vital new skills while making friends for life. (Image: Warminster Scout Group)

“Scouts helps young people step up, speak up and dream big. It helps them play their part and take the lead, giving them skills for employment and education.

“But this has only happened because of the hard work and dedication of an amazing team.”

Although he was not born in Wiltshire, Bear Grylls has strong connections to the county where he currently lives.

The adventure presenter is best known for his television series ‘Born Survivor’ and ‘The Island with Bear Grylls’, but when he’s not in front of the camera Bear has been spotted trying Indian restaurants in Swindon and visiting pubs in Aldbourne.

Bear’s son Huckleberry Grylls, also currently attends Marlborough College in Wiltshire.

In 2009, Bear became an inspiration when The Scout Association appointed him as Chief Scout, making him the youngest person to hold the position since it was created in 1920 for Robert Baden-Powell.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Adventure celebrity Bear Grylls has acted as a champion for young people and for the Scouting movement.Adventure celebrity Bear Grylls has acted as a champion for young people and for the Scouting movement. (Image: Warminster Scout Group)

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He added: “Young people are amazing. They just need the opportunities and a friendly, safe, and supportive place to discover their talents.

“This new Warminster unit is good news for Scouts and good news for the local community too, helping shape a new generation.

“A very big thank you to every Scout, parent, carer, and volunteer who’s made this happen.”

Warminster Explorer Scouts meet in The Greenland Hut, 25 Weymouth Street, and are always looking for new volunteers so they can keep expanding.

Anyone wanting to get involved should contact lead volunteer Jake at explorers@warminsterscoutgroup.onmicrosoft.com