Scouts in Bishop Auckland and St Helen Auckland are appealing to residents for help. An increase in the number of youngsters wanting to be involved means that there is a need to provide additional help for the current leaders. In the past seven years, the number of youngsters involved in scouting locally has jumped by over 50% and there are now more youngsters on waiting lists than ever.
Unfortunately, the number of adults working directly with the children hasn’t kept up with the increase in members. Ian Johnson, who is the current District Commissioner for Bishop Auckland, told The Bishop Press that whilst there had been an increase in adults, it was not keeping pace.
“We’ve managed to increase our adults, but by less than a quarter; we’ve got experienced leaders – they just need some additional support so they can run safe and active programmes. The adults get just as much out of being involved as the youngsters.”
“We have our longest waiting lists for the Beaver Scouts but we will try and accommodate any youngster where we can,” continued Mr Johnson, who himself was a scout in the town.
“Everybody has some knowledge of what scouts are about, however, it has changed, particularly in the past five years. “It is much more relevant to young people and more flexible for adults as well.”
More information on the Scout Movement, including opportunities for young people and adults alike, can be obtained locally from Ian Johnson by phoning 0845 0944 084 or by emailing bishopauckland@durhamscouts.org.uk.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
