News
Scouting's growth takes media by storm

The news of Scouting’s biggest growth in 22 years was a major news topic yesterday, even making the chimes of ITN News. As such, a team of young people and volunteers, including Chief Scout Peter Duncan, spent a busy day being interviewed by various national newspapers, TV channels and radio stations. For a special article in The Sun, Peter explained why he thought Scouting was becoming increasingly popular with both young people and adult volunteers:	TF SCOUTS
‘Scouting is more relevant now than ever. In an age when parents are wary about letting their children out on their own, and young people are staying indoors spending hours gaming or online, Scouting offers a real alternative.   'Whether they're trying kayaking, finding out about Fair Trade, understanding environmental issues, gaining First Aid qualifications, they develop independence from the word go.	TF SCOUTS
‘Our members are active, motivated and are not afraid to think differently. They get involved in many current issues, providing activities for those with special needs as well as taking part in major international projects.   ‘Scouting can only happen when there are enough volunteer leaders to support it. Children are the future, and there is a unique joy in helping them discover talents they never knew they had. I believed that when I was working on Blue Peter and I believe it now.	TF SCOUTS

 

‘The great outdoors is where Scouting lives and breathes and I encourage you all to get involved ...... Remember, it’s not just the young people that have fun.’

 

21/04/2008     Scouting sees largest growth for 22 years

The Scout Association has revealed the continuing popularity of the Movement, with 15,000 additional members joining in the last year. Census figures reveal a 3.7 per cent increase in youth membership and a 1.7 per cent increase in adult membership.   These figures are the largest increase the Movement has seen for 22 years, and represent the 13,500 young people and 1,500 adults who have joined The Scout Association in the last 12 months.     The total youth membership is now over 450,000, with 100,000 adult volunteers. The fastest growing Group in the UK is the 1st Burghfield and Sulhamstead Scout Group, Berkshire, which has grown by a staggering 137 Members in the last year.

TF SCOUTS

However, despite this record growth, the figures also reveal a gap of nearly 6,400 adult volunteers, who are needed to meet the increasing demand of young people who want to experience the adventure of Scouting. In the last year alone, waiting lists have grown by nearly 3,000, taking the total number of young people unable to benefit from Scouting to 32,000.    Source: http://www.scouts.org.uk/news/archive/2008/april/220408.html