Scouting membership in Mersey Weaver district continues to grow, with 26 new members added in the past year.
This has helped Scouting in Cheshire grow by 4.3% to more than 12,000 people actively involved across the County.
- The number of adults volunteering to change young people’s lives in Cheshire has grown by 365 in the past eight years to a total of 2,255
- Female membership in the county has grown from 589 to 1701 between 2005 and 2014
Mersey Weaver district, which includes Runcorn, Widnes, Frodsham, Helsby, Alvanley, Norley, Kingsley, Ince & Elton currently has 1440 members, a rise of 1.8% on a year ago.
“It’s been a tremendous year for the district and we have added 239 members over the last six years which shows the ever increasing appeal of Scouting to young people,” said District Commissioner John Duley.
Explorer Kieron Eager from the district’s Aquila Unit, said: “Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I get the opportunity to take part in so many different activities.”
Scout leader Rick Wakefield from 14th Widnes added: ““Being a Scout Leader is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s great helping young people in my local area and I’m looking forward to representing the district and the county at next year’s World Jamboree.”
Nationally, Scout membership has grown by 100,000 to 550,000 in the last ten years, cementing its place as the largest coeducational community-based youth charity in the UK. During this period female membership has grown from 69,996 to 128,042.
Our growth continues to transform the lives of young people by providing an inspiring programme of everyday adventure and nationally we are committing to further increase the number of 58,000 more young people, as well as 18,000 more adult volunteers, by 2018.
Scouting for all, the national development plan is designed to ensure in 2018 Scouting will be enjoyed by 500,000 young people. They will come from every background, make their voices heard and bring positive change to their communities.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls, whose visit to Runcorn was one of the highlights of 2013, commented: “I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, achieving personal rewards through Scouting in the UK. I am excited to see Scout numbers continue to rise across the UK and the big reasons for this are that more and more young people are realising that Scouting can give them so much – whether it’s the opportunity to be involved with some incredible adventures, learn practical life, outdoor and teamwork skills, or helping to improve their local communities. People don’t want to miss out and Scouting brings them all together, empowers them and allows them to make a positive impact.”
For information on how to join the Scouting adventure in Cheshire go to http://www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/
Pictured are Anna and William Holland from 1st Norley displaying the Mersey Weaver increase.
