Cycling, martial arts, equestrian skills and astronomy are among the many exciting activities enjoyed by boys and girls across the country in Cub Scout groups.

Practical skills such as cookery, DIY and helping in the home can also be mastered and rewarded with a series of badges displayed on their uniforms.

Like Beavers - made up of younger children - and Scouts, with an older membership, Cub Scouts are fiercely proud of their achievements.

This year the Cub Scout section of the scouting movement celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking the occasion with local and national events. Beaver Scouts have also reached a landmark with its 30th anniversary this year.

“We are the biggest youth organisation for girls and boys in the world,” says Alison Walton, deputy district commissioner for Bradford South who, with the district commissioner, oversees 14 groups of Beavers, 14 groups of Cub Scouts and 13 Scout troops.

Membership is growing, having risen from 630 in 2011 to 900 today. “Bradford South has grown by six per cent over the last 12 months and by 38 per cent over the last 5 years. We have new groups in “Buttershaw and Woodside, Bankfoot and Shelf,” adds Alison, a GP who runs a Scout troop with her husband Clive at Horton Bank Top.

Beavers spans the six to eight age group, Cubs are aged eight to ten and Scouts ten to 14. The district has two explorer units - a section introduced in 2001 to replace the Venture Scouts. “There are still activities up to age 25,” says Alison, “People don’t realise, but you can lead groups or help out.”

Dozens of badges can be awarded to Beavers and Cubs for a wide range of skills. “They include fitness, healthy eating and the dangers of smoking. Cubs will possibly go hiking and gain a skills badge for jobs around the house involving anything from cleaning the lavatory to cooking a meal or mending a puncture.”

“We put in a lot of effort,” adds Alison, explaining that while groups are easy to open it is more difficult to sustain them. “We train adults who have no scouting knowledge or background. It involves a lot of work.”

It can be difficult to retain adults who may have family commitments, develop health problems or other issues. She stresses the importance of good leadership skills in motivating children and young people.

“We are there to develop and teach, and all the badges are educational, but the children don’t recognise that - we deliver it through adventure and imagination.”

Scouts tackle international issues as part of a world challenge. Says Alison: “They look at social problems such as homelessness in the UK and abroad, and we look at geography, culture and customs. We have been looking at Brazil and to finish we will use cardboard boxes to create a ‘cardboard city’ at a local campsite and sleep in it. They think it is wonderful and learn so much.”

Keighley district commissioner Jeanette Young says groups in and around the town are very busy. “We are opening new groups almost every month. Everyone enjoys themselves. We hope we make a difference to these young people in their development, as they grow into young citizens.”

Being part of the scouting movement can also help with future employment. “They are able to fill their cvs with interesting and varied experiences,” says Jeanette.

Beaver Robbie Deacon, from 64th Bradford Scout group, based at Horton Bank Top, says: “I like it because it's fun and I likes playing games"

Adds Cub Scout Nikhil Patel, from the same group: "I like doing new exciting activities that I can't do at home or school. If I did not come I would be at home on my Xbox.”

Camaraderie plays a major part in the movement. Says Alison: “Children and young people meet pupils from other schools and other parts of the district.”

Once a year a district camp for Scouts, Cubs and Beavers is held near Cottingley. “Younger ones learn social skills and team work as well as life skills and they learn about being independent.”

Climbing, abseiling, water activities and rock climbing are among the many activities children and young people can experience.

Adds Alison: “Scouting is growing rapidly and we need volunteers to come forward- we need adults who enjoy working with children and are prepared to undergo training, which is free.

“As an adult there are lots of opportunities to learn new skills, but most of all it's very rewarding watching young people develop and enjoy activities and learn through fun and adventure.”

*For more information visit scouts.org.uk.