Cheplhall scouts need more adult leaders

Jun 10 2009 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE 8th Airdrie (Chapelhall) Scouts are on a recruitment drive for more volunteers to help satisfy the soaring demand for scouting among young people in the wake of the recent appointment of TV adventurer Bear Grylls as Chief Scout.

Shortly after announcing a growth in membership for the third year in a row, the appointment of the TV adventurer to the top scout role in the UK led to a further boost in demand from young people for scouting.

Currently almost 500 young people in the North Lanarkshire area enjoy the adventure of scouting, but over 2000 people have been placed on waiting lists throughout Scotland.

But this figure is not as difficult to overcome as it may seem.

For every new adult who volunteers five more young people will have the chance to participate in scouting.

Joe Lally, the Group Scout Leader in Chapelhall, urged local adults to get involved in an organisation he has found personally rewarding.

He said: “By getting involved in Scouting I have a social life with a purpose, an opportunity to try various different activities that I would not otherwise be able to do, skills that I have gained, and it is rewarding to help young people develop their skills and self confidence.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at www.scouts.org.uk/join or by calling 0845 300 1818.