A Wiltshire Scout group is appealing for volunteers to keep up with their ever-growing intake of youngsters, and open a new Beaver colony.

The Scout Group say that this new colony is needed in the town to meet high demand, but they can’t do it without adult help.

“We actually had a colony which closed down during the COVID pandemic due to the leaders deciding to retire,” said Steve Milner, group scout leader for 1st Wootton Bassett Scout Group.

“We have young people on our waiting list but we do not yet have sufficient adult volunteers to make it happen.”

But current leaders determined to make this a reality, are inviting parents and children to their open event to launch the new colony.

Swindon Advertiser: The Scout organisation relies on volunteers to give young people incredible opportunities.The Scout organisation relies on volunteers to give young people incredible opportunities. (Image: Catherine Riley)

The open event will take place on Friday, November 3 at the Royal Wootton Bassett Scout HQ on Muddy Lane, and it is aimed to show potential new beavers and their parents what beavers is all about.

“The new colony is planned for Friday nights starting after Christmas,” explained leader Catherine Riley.

“We currently have one leader primed and ready to go, but would ideally like three more voluntary helpers to spread the load.”

Beaver Scouts is open to young people aged six to eight of all genders.

“They do nearly all of the same activities older members do, just in a more supervised environment to help them learn and keep them safe,” Ms Riley explained.

Swindon Advertiser: Scouting is not just fun and rewarding for young people - but adult volunteers too!Scouting is not just fun and rewarding for young people - but adult volunteers too! (Image: Catherine Riley)

“The aim of Beavers is simply to have fun, all the activities are aimed at promoting teamwork, helping others, learning new skills and having fun.

“But Royal Wootton Bassett really needs a new Beaver colony because the current one is full. We are looking to offer Scouting to even more youngsters.”

In Royal Wootton Bassett, Scouting has been taking place for over 100 years and the group now consists of a thriving Beaver colony (aged six to eight), two Cub packs (aged eight to ten), two Scout Troops (aged ten to 14), and Explorers (aged 14 to 18).

If you are interested in your youngster becoming a Beaver, or joining the team of volunteers yourself to make this happen, go along to the open event on November 3 to give Scouting a go for free.

To register or find out more, email catherine.riley@scouts.org.uk