Scouting exists to support young people in their personal development, to push them to find out what they can truly do. Nothing shows this more than what Daniel has achieved in the last nine months.

In May last year, Daniel, aged 11, attended a water sports day that had been organised by Lewisham District Scouts. He was desperate to go, and was really looking forward to trying out the different paddle sports. Sadly, on arrival, Daniel was told he would not be able to take part, as he could not swim. This didn’t stop the Leaders from ensuring he had a great day though; Daniel was allowed to go out on the support boat, where he could join in with the fun on the water, whilst remaining safe.

Despite this, Daniel still longed to go out on the water with his friends in a kayak, canoe or boat. So, setting himself a personal challenge, Daniel decided he would learn to swim.

Nine months later, Daniel has achieved his goal! He has earned his Level 2 Swimming badge in Scouts AND his Level 2 ASA badge. He did this in his own time by attending swimming lessons at his local pool. His Mum, Zoe, has said “I wanted to cry!... I'm so proud my baby can swim!” Daniel, too, is proud of his achievements, “From doing the water sports day, I got the encouragement to start swimming lessons, and from the first lesson I got better. Now I’m on stage 3, which has really made me happy and really shocked at how good I’ve been at it. Now I know how to swim I can go on other trips in Scouting, like narrow boating and the water sports day, and not have to worry that I can’t swim, because I can!”

So now, as well as being able to swim, and having gained 2 different awards, Daniel has been able to take part in the water sports he has always wanted to.

Submitted by Rory Sheridan