Chief Adventures

Yesterday Norjam welcomed Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. From the moment he arrived, his enthusiasm, positivity, and passion for Scouting was infectious felt by everyone he met during his afternoon tour of the Norjam site.

The visit began with selected volunteers, Scouts, and Explorers had gathered for special lunch and drinks. Dwayne entered with an overwhelming sense of pride, greeting each table individually to thank the hardworking volunteers and learn what the Scouts had been enjoying so far. The visit began with selected volunteers, Scouts, and Explorers had gathered for special lunch and drinks. The visit began with selected volunteers, Scouts, and Explorers had gathered for special lunch and drinks.
Dwayne entered with an overwhelming sense of pride, greeting each table individually to thank the hardworking volunteers and learn what the Scouts had been enjoying so far at Norjam.

 

 

Next, Dwayne visited the watersports area, amazed by the impressive pools created for the event, exclaiming, “this is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen – they created a lake in a field!” He chatted with groups about to paddleboard on the water, spurring them on from the sidelines.  Seeing all of Dwayne’s encouragement, an Explorer supporting the tour from Shed 11 Explorer Unit said it “feels great to speak to him, he is so nice and genuine.” After asking about their favourite parts of Norjam and Scouting, Dwayne told them he always aims to “try and exhibit everything good about Scouting to encourage others to join stressing the importance of inspiring others and upholding Scouting’s values.

 
At the climbing wall, he wasted no time joining Maise, 14, from 1st Silver End Guides for an abseil. Although nervous, Maise later told a radio interviewer she “loved it, absolutely loved it. Dwayne helped me through it, I was really scared to be abseiling but Dwayne’s encouragement got me through.” From the very start, he threw himself into every experience, greeting every volunteer, and taking time to connect with Scouts and Guides alike.
 

Reflecting during this part of the tour, Dwayne shared that it “fills me with pride when I see young people doing what they should be doing – making friends.” His own favourite Scouting memory was his “very first day in Scouting, building bridges between benches,” a moment when he knew Scouting gave him opportunities to share skills and build life-changing friendships. The market area also saw countless selfies and scarf signings, with many Scouts placing a peg on Dwayne’s scarf as keepsakes. He even left with a bright orange cowboy hat.

 

One of the final stops was the segway track, where Dwayne donned a helmet and joined Scouts for a ride, to their amazement. After completing the course, he recorded a personal video message for a leader from 1st Matershall Scout Group who could not attend Norjam due to surgery—a small gesture that meant a great deal to the group. Throughout the day, Dwayne made it clear he was there for everyone.

His time at Norjam left a lasting impression, his genuine interest in people and his drive to nurture their passion for Scouting will be remembered by all he met.