Scouting offers over 200 adventurous activities to young people through a large network of adult volunteers, and is celebrating it’s centenary in Abergele this year.

Adventure is at the core of Scouting, and the Association passionately believes in helping members fulfil their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential by working in teams, learning by doing and thinking for themselves.

Even with this growth, demand still outstrips supply, and waiting lists are at an all time high. For every new adult who volunteers, five young people are potentially able to move from waiting lists and into groups. To combat this, the District is looking at increasing the number of groups, opening in new locations, and making more places available to young people.

One 13 year old Scout who has joined over the last 12 months said “I joined because I wanted to try new things and make new friends. I’d definitely recommend it to other people”

A volunteer leader in the District, said “These figures really reflect the will and dedication of our adult volunteers, and of the Scouts themselves. This year we have already opened two new sections within our existing Scout Groups, and we have plenty more development planned in the District.”

“Over the next few months, we have a number of six and seven year old members spending their first night away from home, right through to a team of 14-18 year old Scouts embarking on an international adventure. We have members from a huge range of backgrounds, for example, we recently welcomed a number of new Buddhist young people and nearly a fifth of our membership are girls and women, overall, this significantly diversifies the organisation.”

“Scouting welcomes everyone, both new young people and adult volunteers, from every background, and these figures really highlight that. I look forward to welcoming many more young people and adults to the adventure of modern Scouting, and hope that a year from now, we can announce an even bigger boost for our Scouts.

Chief Scout Peter Duncan recently commented about the fun of getting involved with Scouting: ‘Adults who volunteer in Scouting can get just as much fulfilment as the younger members do. It is rewarding to know that you are helping and contributing to young people’s development and their understanding of the world around them. You are part of all their fun and adventure while encouraging them to be active members of their community.”

‘Volunteers are not giving something up, they are gaining the opportunity to be part of a young sociable society, developing and sharing skills such as leadership and taking responsibility for all aspects of life.”