Scouts from Wyre Forest met with their MP Mark Garnier to take part in a quiz in Parliament. The event, which saw over thirty Scout groups from across the country going head-to-head, was hosted by Going for Gold's Henry Kelly. The teams were tested on a range of political issues including law-making, political parties and the electoral process as well as popular culture and Scouting.
The event marked the launch of a new resource pack "Talk this Way: From Scout to Speaker of the House" which aims to teach Scouts about Parliament. It uses a variety of activities to show how young people can influence and engage with the democratic process, and includes House of Commons-style debates to encourage Scouts to think about arguments from all sides and develop their views on today's most important political issues.
While outdoor activities and adventure are central to Scouting, preparing young people to be active citizens and participants in their communities is also at the core of the movement. The resource, created in partnership with Parliament's Education Service, builds on other events run by The Scout Association to encourage young people to speak up on issues that affect them and to get them talking to their politicians.
Sam Groves, from Kidderminster Scouts, said "It's really important to know what MPs are doing in London and, after today, now I do. Well, a little bit at least!"
Mark said, "It was a real pleasure to meet with members of Kidderminster Scouts. Scouting is a great way of teaching young people to be more responsible and social, and I was glad to see so many exemplifying these qualities on the day."
Mark is also Vice President of the Kidderminster and District Scout Council.