SCOUTS in Swindon have reported the highest number of adult volunteers on record in its latest annual membership figures.

There are now over 600 adult volunteers supporting scout groups in the town, more than at any point in its history.

But despite such high numbers of volunteers, the waiting list for young people who want to join the Scouts in the area has sky-rocketed to over 300, the highest figure in Scouting’s history.

Now the local branch of the Scouts are calling on the public’s help to volunteer their time to provide Richard Bennett, local scouting manager in Swindon, said: “I’m calling on adults who want to make a difference to the lives of young people in their communities to give Scouting a go.

“We know that not having enough time is the main barrier to volunteering among adults, which is why we want to make it easier by offering flexibility in a range of roles from Scout group leaders to administrative and trustee positions.”

Nationally, scouting continues to grow among young people, with 150 joining in Swindon in the 12 months up until the end of January this year.

In total, there are now over 2,000 young people involved in scouting in Swindon and including adult volunteers, total membership figures are up by 15 per cent at 2,600.

Since being founded 100 years ago, scouting has become the world’s largest youth movement aimed at helping young people, both boys and girls, to enjoy fun and adventurous activities, while developing skills for life, including practical, character and employability skills.

In Swindon, the scouts are involved in a number of community events throughout the year including the Swindon Scout Post as well as performances such as their recent show at the Wyvern Theatre in the Swindon Gang Show last month.

It is hoped that the new figures will encourage more adults to volunteer their time in order for the youngsters on the waiting list to experience what it is like to be a scout.

Richard added: “Our adult volunteers today seek much more flexible volunteering arrangements than in the past, so that they can fit it around their busy lives.

“Many adults who are signing up with the Scouts have a limited amount of time to donate to us, and so we need more volunteers as a whole in order to accommodate the continued demand for scouting among young people.”

In recent months, a number of celebrities have pledged their support to the Scouts where they have become ambassadors, including Paralympic and Olympic gold medallists Ellie Simmonds and Helen Glover along with Anita Rani, Steve Backshall and Megan Hine.

For more information about how to sign up and help the Scout group in Swindon as a volunteer, email Richard on join@swindonridgewayscouts.org.uk or call 01793 295215.