SCOUTS across Weston and North Somerset are celebrating 100 years since they began - but are experiencing a volunteer leader crisis. Leaders of the scouting movement have voiced their concerns that the lack of adult volunteers is forcing youngsters onto w
SCOUTS across Weston and North Somerset are celebrating 100 years since they began - but are experiencing a volunteer leader crisis.Leaders of the scouting movement have voiced their concerns that the lack of adult volunteers is forcing youngsters onto waiting lists, and are urging people to come forward and sign up their services to enable youths to enjoy the benefits of scouting.Neil Salter, county commissioner for the scouting movement, said: "Across the area we have around 10,000 members. This is an impressive number when you consider what other opportunities are available for young people. "We are concerned, however, that there are around 1,000 young people across North Somerset, male and female, who are waiting to join scouting."But, they are not simply waiting to be the right age to join. They are on waiting lists because their local scout group doesn't have enough adults helping out to."We know that young people enjoy the fun, challenge and adventure of scouting and this is also enjoyed by the adults that support it."Peter Duncan, Britain's chief scout, said: "Getting involved in scouting as an adult is about having fun and adventure, mixed in with a real sense of purpose. Being a leader gives people the chance to contribute to the positive development of tomorrow's adults."Across the world this year, the centenary of scouting is likely to be one of the biggest global celebrations since the millennium. Some of the events due to take place include scouts from Columbia and Iceland visiting North Somerset in August and stay with scouting families. More than 70 scouts from North Somerset will join 40,000 Scouts from over 150 countries will set up camp in Hylands Park, Essex, on July 27-August 8 for the World Scout Jamboree. On August 1 an event called Scouting Sunrise will take place on Weston seafront when scouts will take the opportunity to renew their scouting promise.
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