Because youngsters are eager to get outside again after the dreariness of lockdown, the number of Scouts has surged at the quickest rate since WWII.
Scouting has seen a post-pandemic surge, with 90,000 young people ready to join the organisation.
Girlguiding is likewise thriving, with a 20% increase in membership in the last year and a 56,882 person waiting list.
The health advantages of being outside were underlined by Covid and the lockdowns.
Following months of limitations, the opportunity to acquire important skills and have fun outside has sparked renewed interest in these traditional youth activity groups across the country.
‘Lockdown was a trying time for young people,’ said Simon Carter, a Scout spokesperson.
‘They were unable to travel anyplace. There is a newfound enthusiasm for the outdoors.
‘Parents want their children to spend time outside, acquire new skills, and have fun, and scouting gives those possibilities.’
‘Volunteering has a lot of benefits for adults as well. Being a Scout volunteer is helpful for their mental health, the young people they work with, and the communities in which they live.’
The Scouts’ membership, excluding adult assistants, has climbed by 16% in the last year, from 362,668 to 421,852. It’s the fastest increase rate in 80 years, however it comes after a 24% reduction the year prior due to Covid.
The Scouting movement, founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, is seeing a renaissance, but there is a dearth of volunteers to assist administer clubs.
‘The Scouts serve a critical role in the lives of young people, and it is good to see that recognised via a surge in membership after a difficult number of years,’ remarked Chief Scout Bear Grylls recently.
‘The epidemic demonstrated the need of banding together, and it’s wonderful to see Scouts enjoying fresh adventures and gaining essential life skills once more.’
‘However, as we rebuild our membership, we will want the assistance of more adult volunteers in order to continue offering opportunities for many more young Scouts.’
Scouting is also recognized as a beneficial strategy to protect young people from mental health problems.
According to a spokesman, research has shown that the advantages of scouting continue into adulthood. Scouts are 15% less likely to suffer from anxiety or mood disorders by the time they reach the age of 50.
A similar trend has been observed in the Girlguiding movement, which includes Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, and Rangers for girls aged four to eighteen.
Since 2021, the number of children aged four to eighteen has increased from 239,22 to 290,468. There have also been 184,000 female inquiries, which is the highest number since 2015.
‘After a challenging couple of years, it is really great to see the opportunities Girlguiding offers acknowledged through the significant increase in those wanting to join us,’ said Angela Salt, the chief executive of Girlguiding.