Scouts put Media skills into practice by interviewing accomplished 12th Cambridge alumni
Dominic, Francis, Lucien V, Lucien W, Marcus, James and Charlie (compiled and edited by Ella)
Earlier this year, scouts from Raptors troop each took part in a range of activity badges, choosing an area that interested them. Seven scouts selected the Media Relations and Marketing badge, where they learned about how the media industry operates, and how to promote scouting and its achievements to the wider community. As part of this badge, they even assisted with presenting a local radio show. One of the key skills that they developed was conducting effective interviews, learning how to ask thoughtful questions to encourage people to share their experiences and insights.
We were delighted that two very successful former members of 12th Cambridge Scout group generously gave up their time to be interviewed by our aspiring journalists. The interviews allowed the Scouts to learn about their lives and successes since leaving the troop.
Laura Burton – GB and Yale Rower
Laura Burton is a British rower and former member of 12th Cambridge Scout group. After trying out rowing for the first time when she was 14, she went on to great success including, most notably, winning a bronze medal at the 2019 World Junior Rowing Championships, and coming in first place at the National Schools Regatta in 2021. Since then, Laura has been rowing for the Yale university team.
Laura chose rowing because she said it pushes you to the limits. It may sound obscure, but she said that pushing herself in a uniquely technical sport allowed her to understand herself and her abilities better. Rowing, as she put it, “helps you deal with it”.
When asked what she was most proud of, Laura described her team winning a silver medal at the 2024 US University Championship. To her, it was incredible because everyone came together and put in 100% commitment – even when training twice a day, six days a week, for most of the year prior to this competition.
We also questioned Laura about her opinion on team sports versus individual events. She stated that her preference was for team sports. Her reasoning behind this was less due to the sport itself, rather the people who she did it with. She mentioned how her coach described the group of forty fellow rowers as “the most motivated group of rowers you will ever meet”. These peers and friends clearly inspired her to greatness.
Scouting helped Laura with her resilience and communication skills, both of which she uses often in her rowing career. Scout activities also taught her to work together with others. She described one of the hardest moments of her time in scouts as being on a hiking trip in 2018 in the snow. It was challenging to map read and her peers encouraged her to persevere and work together in a team to complete the route. These skills are imperative to her when rowing.
Laura back in the day in Scotland!
Finally, we discussed our aspirations for the future, and Laura told us all to dream big and aim high. Consistency and self-belief are what got her where she is today.
Charlie Wayne – Drummer with the band Black Country, New Road
Charlie Wayne was a scout with 12th Cambridge and is now an accomplished professional musician, drummer of the popular band Black Country, New Road. He has toured all over the world, playing at many notable venues and events, including Glastonbury, which he described as being an amazing experience.
Charlie expressed his love for most kinds of music, from classical (especially the Rite of Spring by Stravinsky) to rock (he recalled that his mind was blown when listening to The Velvet Underground for the first time). He told us as a child he didn’t particularly appreciate music, having tried playing piano and recorder and not enjoying it. However, in year 8, this changed when he discovered the drums, and he would practice during break times at school for fun. This enthusiasm and passion for drumming continues to this day and he loves to be able to do this as a job. His favourite drummer is John Bonham, as he changed the rock music scene, bringing the drums to the forefront.
He is also a songwriter along with his other band mates. Their songs are inspired by lots of things, including interesting new sounds, life experiences, and the music of other bands. To those that are in a new band, or would like to start one, his advice was to have a great time together and to play for fun.We asked Charlie where the best crowd he has ever played to was. He mentioned that in different countries the vibes of the audiences are very different. For example, performing in Japan was a big contrast to the usual gig environment. In Japan it is believed to be polite to keep very quiet for the performers, however in the USA it is constantly loud. But his two favourite places to perform were Glasgow and Manchester. He said the audiences were really up for it, and that he loves performing there.
Charlie told us about his time at 12th Cambridge, and said it helped him develop a sense of self-confidence, how to work well with others, and communication skills. All of which have proved useful when working with his band.
Charlie on summer camp, many years ago…..
Thank you to both Laura and Charlie for sharing their time and experiences with us. We hope that having the opportunity to talk with them about their achievements and successes has inspired today’s scouts to follow their passions and aim high.