JOSH Glanville, from South Zeal, was the youngest of 20 scouts selected from across the UK to participate in a survival adventure with wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and gold medal Olympian Helen Glover.

Josh, 13, was chosen nationally through a scouting competition to participate in the 24-hour survival adventure in The Lake District with husband and wife, Steve and Helen, who are scouting ambassadors.

The 20 Scouts, who were chosen for their scouting achievements, skills and contribution to local community, were set a surprise challenge on August 14 that would have tested the toughest of adults.

After learning first aid, knife and axe skills and shelter building, the scouts set off in two teams called ‘Team Helen’ and ‘Team Steve’. The teams had to canoe across Lake Windermere to a forest base camp, where they built shelters from natural materials with a thatch of ferns, and cooked rabbit on a camp fire.

The teams achieved their challenge in a brutal British downpour, that didn’t let up for the entire night. The whole 24 hours was sleepless and a true test of personal stamina, teamwork and determination.

Despite a sleepless night, the scouts rose bleary eyed, smiling and eager for their next challenge, which was climbing the Old Man of Conniston and at a height of 2,634 feet — this was a mountainous achievement for the scouts.

When asked the best part of the adventure, Josh said: ‘ Well, all of it really! But, most of all making a new friend from Manchester and meeting Helen and Steve — especially Steve as it was great to hear all the interesting facts about the wildlife we encountered, including a rare dragonfly!’

Steve and Helen, said they had become scouting ambassadors because they were both involved in the scouting movement from an early age. They both attributed many of the skills and attitudes they have learned to scouting and these have helped them as adults in their successful careers.

They now want to give something back by volunteering and encourage others to do the same.

Scouting offers young people outdoor adventure, support and confidence, the opportunity to show kindness to others and above all lots of fun with friends.

To find out more about scouting and volunteering, email [email protected].