Many thanks to Malcolm for sharing this news from Isle of Wight Scouting. In his own words. Ed
With a membership of 1,414 Scouts, Isle of Wight Scouting has its’ highest membership level this century. This 6.7% increase, more than twice the national average, is the highest in the South East of England.
This impressive surge in membership – there are now 525,327 Scouts in the UK – has helped cement Scouting’s position as the largest co-educational youth movement in the country, helping even more young people and adults join in the adventure.
Experiencing ‘the great outdoors’
Scouting allows them to experience the great outdoors and our young people can enjoy more than 200 activities from abseiling to zorbing.
Both nationally and on the Island, the biggest area of growth is in the 15-18 year old Explorer Scout Section. And 77 of the 104 Explorers on the Island have chosen to sign up to the Young Leaders’ Scheme, making a commitment to work as Leaders in Beaver and Cub Sections.
Valuable training for Young Leaders
Young Leaders are offered full training, helping them to develop and grow as individuals while aiding the personal development of other young people. Furthermore, the skills involved in leadership – such as communication and time planning – can be transferred to other environments like the workplace.
We offer an environment for young people to achieve their full potential as individuals and responsible citizens. These principles are reflected in the range of community work that Scout Groups undertake week in-week out.
The stats
A report unveiled last year demonstrates the positive impact of Scouting for young people:
- 38% of young people in Scouting have volunteered for another organisation
- 40% of voluntary groups surveyed would not be able to get the same amount of work done if Scouts had not been involved
- 36% of former youth Scout members volunteer for 2 hours a week, compared to 26% for the general population
- Previous studies have also shown that each year Scout Leaders contribute the equivalent of 37 million hours voluntary work which is the equivalent of £380 million pounds worth of unpaid youth work
- The number of volunteers “working” for Scouting is bigger than the combined workforces of the BBC (24,000) and McDonalds (67,000) put together. It’s more than the 70,000 strong army of volunteer gamesmakers being recruited for the Olympic Games.
Great to see the numbers rise
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, said, “It is so great to see Scout numbers rising on the Isle of Wight and a big reason for this is the number of teenagers joining the adventure. More and more young people are realising that Scouting offers them so much -whether it’s the opportunity to go on a big international adventure or the chance to learn and hone vital life skills.
“I am also excited to see that so many young people on the Isle of Wight have committed their time to give back as Young Leaders. Leadership in Scouting offers so many personal rewards and practical benefits, and so many employers nowadays recognise these as being both empowering and work/life-enhancing. There truly is something for everyone in the world of Scouting.”
More Leaders needed
The Island still needs more Scout Leaders, and to help with recruiting adults Scouting has changed!
We’ve made it easier for adults to volunteer as much or as little time as they can spare – a few hours a week as a leader or a few hours a month as a helper or active supporter. It’s how best we change our society: lots of people doing a little bit at a time.
We give full leadership training, training that will look good on any cv.
But be prepared – you may get to like the Team Spirit, the Scouting Adventure “¦. and the FUN!
Have you got what our Young People need? To Join us: call 01983 566399 or 01983 865913 or visit www.isleofwightscouts.org.uk
Image: 1st Shanklin Scout Group Beaver Colony Leaders: Vik Mann, Jill Mears, Marie Reeves and Explorer Scout Young Leader: Ellah Matongo
