SCOUTING in Coventry is on the up after latest annual membership figures revealed total membership in the city is up more than three per cent.
There’s also positive news for the number of adult volunteers, Scouts and explorers joining the movement.
Adult volunteers are up 25 per cent while an additional 38 members between the ages of ten and 18 joined the popular Scout and Explorers groups.
With the total number of girls and young women in scouting standing at 145,000, Coventry contribute 797 female members – the highest proportion since the scout movement first welcomed women and girls into all of its sections 25 years ago.
Scouting continues to be the largest co-educational youth movement in the UK with eleven consecutive years of growth in its youth membership.
Sophie, a 17-year-old Explorer, said: “I love Scouting and always enjoy the adventures that Scout volunteers have helped us plan.
“I’ve picked up some really helpful life skills along the way like team building, planning and how to communicate with people. “Scouting has also helped me grow in confidence and I have enjoyed learning new skills alongside my male friends.
“I have been to camps and events in across the UK and I have had great fun and learned loads of skills every time I do Scouting activities.
“I’d definitely encourage young people of all ages and both genders to join.”
Andrew Morris, lead volunteer for Coventry Scouts said: “It’s great that membership in Coventry has increased by over three per cent meaning that there is another 80 people actively involved in Scouting.
“We provide great opportunities for young people and adult volunteers.
“It gives our young leaders great opportunities to learn about leadership, working with others and planning – all of which will help them when applying for university, college or employment.”
The Scout group is aiming to pledge one million hands to support four of the biggest social issues facing the UK and the wider world.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said he wants all young people to give Scouting a try to help shape the world’s future.
He added: “I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, and achieving personal rewards through Scouting in the UK.
“I am excited to see Scout numbers continue to rise across the UK, especially the numbers of girls.”
Visit www.coventryscouts.org.uk for further information about Scouting in Coventry.
