Centenary Scouts plead for leaders (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Centenary Scouts plead for leaders

6:09pm Monday 25th February 2008 in

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One of the oldest Scout groups in the world, which celebrates its centenary this year, has made a desperate plea for more leaders.

The chairman of Shipley Scout Group, David Bryan, said young people are being turned away at the door because there are not enough leaders.

He said the general shortage of Scout and Guide leaders is threatening the future of the youth movement.

The international Scouting movement, founded by Lord Baden-Powell, had its centenary last year and the guides celebrate its in 2010.

The Windhill-based Shipley Scout Group was set up in 1908, one of the first to follow Baden-Powell's early packs.

The Shipley group is planning a reunion dinner and an exhibition to celebrate its centenary, and this summer members will join thousands of Scouts from around the world at a jamboree.

But Mr Naylor said the group, like others around the district, needs more leaders to keep going.

"We're a full house with Scouts and Cubs and we're nearly full with Beavers. Altogether we have 45 members," he said.

"We meet at Windhill Community Centre, in the heart of the community. There's no shortage of boys wanting to join, each week they're waiting at the door to come in. And we're getting lots of interest from Baildon where there isn't a Scout group.

"The problem we have is recruiting enough leaders. We can't take any more boys until we get more leaders, it's a great shame. We're a victim of our own success.

"We distributed 350 leaflets appealing for leaders and had one inquiry. Lots of Scout groups have closed down in recent years."

Today the Scouting movement is for boys and girls but the Shipley group is unable to take girls because there are no female leaders.

Mr Bryan said Scouting teaches valuable life skills at a formative time in life.

"My father died when I was four and I was brought up in a female environment. I needed a male role model, which is what Scouts gave me," he said. "It gave me opportunities I'd never otherwise have had, it was a big influence on my life.

"Scouting offers something outside the home. So many parents say it's been really good for their lads, Scouting gives them confidence.

"One of our objectives is teaching life skills. It's about teamwork, decision-making, working towards a goal. Many traditional activities are still going, such as camping, canoeing, first aid, football, cooking, outdoor pursuits, and other badges now include public relations, computers and photography. We have a history but we don't live in the past.

"Joining Scouts helps boys gravitate towards a good set of friends, it gives them a sense of pride and respect for their community."

Scout leaders, aged 18-plus, undertake training and can gain a qualification similar to an NVQ.

"They don't need experience of being in Scouts," said Mr Bryan. "For those with less time to spare, we're also looking for people who can give a few hours over a year; we need a secretary, an accounts adviser, an archivist and someone to do PR, provide transport, organise fundraising."

• Anyone interested in becoming a Scout leader, or finding out about other ways of getting involved, is asked to ring David Bryan on (01274) 597937 or e-mail daeb@btinternet.com
• e-mail: emma.clayton @telegraphandargus.co.uk