News
22/04/2008
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:
‘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.
‘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.
‘The great outdoors is where Scouting lives and breathes and I encourage you all to get involved in KidsOutdoors at www.kidsoutdoors.com or join Scouting at www.scouts.org.uk/join. Remember, it’s not just the young people that have fun.’
Read the full text of Peter’s ‘Why I volunteered’ on his Scout blog.
Read all about it
Follow the links below to see how the growth story was reported across the media:
| 'Safe scouts are cool again' The Sun |
'Scout numbers see biggest rise in 20 years' The Independent |
| 'Join the Scouts - and get out of the house' Telegraph |
'BMX gets UK Scouts booming' The Sun |
| 'The Scouting revival: Thirst for adventure sees "cotton wool" generation flock to join local groups' Daily Mail |
'Scouts take on the challenge as membership soars' |
| 'Scouting "growing more popular"' BBC News Online |
'"Rapid rise" in Scouts membership' The Press Association |
| 'Scouting "cool again" for kids and adults' Yahoo! UK & Ireland News |
