Local Explorer Scout Unit Sees Membership Surge

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April 23, 2024

More young people in the Ealing and Hanwell area are signing up to be Explorer Scouts.

Since January 2022, there has been double digit growth in membership of the local unit with more boys and girls aged 14 to 17 joining up.

Diogene, one of the volunteers with the unit says that the increase was due to the wide range of activities the young people did and the friends they made.

With over 200 activities ranging from archery to global issues, hiking to paddle sports and pioneering to zorbing, the Explorer Scouts say there should be something for everyone. Some of the activities the Explorers have done and have planned include making model rockets, Spanish evening, photography, and cooking. The Explorer Unit is also planning an expedition to Kandersteg in Switzerland in 2025.

The scouts also learn skills which will help them with applications for employment, apprenticeship, and universities. These include leadership and teamworking, responsibility and social skills and problem solving and commitment. They also get the opportunity to work towards their King’s Scout award and Duke of Edinburgh award.

In recent surveys, 94% of Scouts said they had developed skills useful to them in later life because of Scouts. In another survey, 88% said they had tried activities at Scouts they hadn’t tried before.

A growth in membership also needs to a requirement for more adult volunteers. If you have a skill, interest, knowledge, or hobby you would like to share with other volunteers and young people, you could make a great volunteer. In a recent survey, 85% of volunteers said they had flexibility around their volunteering commitment and the same proportion would recommend the charity as a great place to volunteer.

When asked why he volunteered, Diogene said, “I give my time so that more young people can have incredible experiences, whether it’s climbing or on an overseas trip. Helping them achieve their Duke of Edinburgh Award and seeing them learn and develop new skills is also very rewarding.”

For further information about joining email WantToJoin@ealingandhanwellscouts.org.uk.

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