The number of Squirrels (young people aged 4 to 6) has increased by over 110% in the last two years, and the number of Explorers (young people aged 14 to 17) has increased by over 15% in the same period.

James Williamson, Lead Volunteer for Buckinghamshire Scouts said, “It’s great to see the growth in Squirrels with more Dreys being open across the County. It’s also brilliant to see that the number of Explorers is increasing. The numbers in Explorers are the highest for more than 25 years.“

He added, “Our increasing numbers show that our amazing volunteers provide incredibly varied activities for young people. Badges the young people can earn range from Air activities to Emergency Aid, Global Issues to Martial Arts. Nights Away to Pioneer and Scientist to Water Activities”

James went on to say, “However, the number of young people aged 4 to 17 on our waiting list has increased by nearly 27% in the last twelve months. We now have nearly 3400 young people across the County who would like to join Scouting,”

He added, “We are looking for volunteers. If you want to be involved in any of the other sections, Beavers (aged 6 to 8), Cubs (aged 8 to 10) and Scouts (aged 10 to 14) we would be able to find you a role. We also have various roles in the background ranging from being a trustee, looking after the finances, IT, fund raising, admin etc. Whatever time you can give, we would be able to find a role for you. If you want to stay in your comfort zone, you can, but if you want to be taken out of your comfort zone, you can too.”

Adult volunteer Nigel, said, “Volunteering with Scouts is a great opportunity to help young people learn and develop skills along with having fun and trying out new activities. It’s also a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills yourself, make friends, try new activities and take pride in seeing young people develop. As volunteers, we can help put the foundations in place. We then encourage the children and young people to build upon them as they try new activities and learn skills for life. Children and young people want adventure and we provide the opportunity to have those adventures.”

For more information about becoming a volunteer, please visit https://www.bucks-scouts.org.uk/join