Eastleigh Explorer helps wish Queen a Happy Birthday
The following story appeared on http://www.scouts.org.uk/ earlier in the week, and you may have seen one of OUR Explorer Scouts (Isla) representing the Scout Association at Windsor.
“The Queen celebrated her 80th Birthday today, and as part of the festivities the Scout Association was officially invited to Windsor Castle to join in a day of celebrations. An adult leader and two young people were given a unique opportunity to meet the Queen and pass on there own very special congratulations. Rickesh, a Cub Scout from North East London said “I can’t believe I’ve got to meet the Queen on her Birthday, I’ve had some real adventures in the Cubs but this has been the best thing I have done! I wished her Happy Birthday and invited her to our 100th Birthday next year.”
The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied the Queen, Patron of the Scout Association on a specially arranged walkabout at Windsor Castle. Prior to this the Scouts presented the Queen with a bouquet of flowers and very special card including an invite to Scouting’s Centenary birthday celebrations that will take place next year. 2007 will mark the Centenary of Scouting with some of the biggest events that Scouting has ever seen; this includes the 21st World Scout Jamboree. Isla, an Explorer Scout from Eastleigh, Hampshire said, “Jamborees really are a life changing experience, its like living in a city with a neighbour from nearly every country in the world. I’ve had a fantastic day and I really hope the queen can come to our birthday next year!”
Scouting is a million times bigger than when it started. Today, there are 28 million Scouts, in nearly every country in the world. Andrew, a Network Member from North London said, “Scouting offers young people challenge, adventure and exciting opportunities to experience new things and today has been a great example of that!”