Last year 784 young people in Oxfordshire aged six to 18 wanted to join Scouting — but unfortunately they had to be turned away.

Girls and boys from around the county couldn’t access the vast range of activities, including camping, rock climbing, crafts and the hundreds of other activities, that Scouting can offer.

Scouting is constantly growing but so is the list of young people wanting to join.

If you were a Scout when you were younger you will notice a lot of changes in modern scouting. Traditional values and activities take place but they are coupled with modern updates.

Examples of this include badges in PR, plumbing and IT. Simon Carter, of The Scout Association, said “teenagers realise that achieving some of the badges could help them in the future”. He added “I run a Scout group and I get phone calls from my local secondary school saying that lots of their kids want to get leadership skills.”

Joanne Cockcroft, regional development officer for the Scouting Association, explains: “Scouting has a positive impact on the lives of young people. In a recent survey the Scouts were seen as inspiring, friendly, welcoming, challenging and trustworthy.

"Research for The Scout Association found that 88 per cent of young people involved in Scouting said that it had helped them develop key skills such as leadership, communication and character. Plus it’s good fun!”

She continued: “Adults who can organise a range of activities are needed to ensure that more young people can experience scouting. It doesn’t matter if you have never been in Scouting before or, like many of our leaders, can’t tie a knot. Training is provided and if you don’t know a skill there is always someone who does.”

“There really is a role for everyone in Scouting — whether you want to work with young people to enrich their lives, or provide valuable behind the scenes support.

“Managers, treasurers, fundraisers, secretaries, media managers and webmasters all provide a valuable skill set.

"Scouting is a flexible activity — enabling people from all walks of life and time constraints to join in. Daytimes, evenings and weekend roles are available.”

All Scout leaders undertake a DBS check to ensure the safety of the young people. First aid, health and safety and personalised training plans are available to all adults who join the Scouts.

With a huge range of courses available members can also improve their CV. To join one of the teams just email joanne.cockcroft@scouts.org.uk with your contact details and she will locate the group that meets your needs. More information can be found at www.scouts.org.uk