Articles

Max Cleans Up For Molescroft Again!

12/03/2019

I had the pleasure of meeting with Max Harris Smith again and his mum Sarah in February half term to chat through and learn more about Max’s fundraising endeavors.

Here’s something of Max’s story.

Max now age 14 first joined Cubs age 11 and has according to his Mum has changed a great deal growing in confidence both independently and as a member of a team. Max has carried out many activities including leading night walks in the East Yorkshire countryside, planning the route and leading fellow scouts. His map reading and planning skills were described as ‘spot on’ by the Leader. This then is a great foundation for his imminent trip to the USA!

I asked Max about his trip and here’s something of the adventure (sounds fab!)

Max will be one member of Unit 31 (from Yorkshire) attending the World Scout Jamboree along with another 40,000 (yes, 40,000!) Scouts and Leaders.

He will fly into New York then head to West Virginia, Washington and Canada. All in all, he will spend 3 weeks away from home with his Unit meeting with people from all around the world. Guess what, this is the first time he has flown and all the way across the pond – Impressive!

I asked Max how he initially was selected for this. Max told me he had to formally apply and attend a trial weekend where he took part in activities including ideas as to how he would raise the funds to secure his place in the team. He also had his first formal interview!

Talking with Max it is clear how this Jamboree provides a fantastic opportunity for him to soak up lots of new experiences including living outdoors, cooking and sourcing food supplies and trying out a zip wire 5 miles in length – WOW!

So how has Max done it? How has he raised the funds?

Simply, he and his family have done lots and lots’. Including planting spring bulbs for sale with stalls in Saturday Market; coffee mornings and cake bakes; open house events and not forgetting cleaning up the Bus Shelters in Molescroft Parish!

So, what does all this mean for the future for Max?

Well, Max told me how he will remain involved in Scouting but with an international flavour, looking to move towards a Young Leader role in the future.

Finally, when asked what was the best bit of his experience to date as a Scout, Max replied: “meeting new people and gaining confidence”.  This can only help him in his future ambitions and interests as Max suggests he is keen to pursue a career in engineering for the future. Well done and good luck Max.

His Mum’s thoughts on all this,

“I think one of the most empowering aspects of jamboree fundraising is how we as parents have had to push Max outside his comfort zone and we had an excuse to do it. Max had to have conversations with strangers, he had to go out and earn money which also meant getting up early, doing several fundraising activities in a weekend and keeping on top of homework.”

So, watch this space for a follow up on Max’s adventure.