SCOUTING groups are bursting at the seams and desperately need adult volunteers to sign up to help run new groups.

Membership across Oxfordshire is at its highest since records were kept nationally from 2001.

There are 7,500 people actively involved in Scouting across the county. Twelve years ago the figure was 5,980. Leaders say hundreds more children could be missing out because there are simply not enough adults to help out.

Currently 784 youngsters are on the Oxfordshire waiting list but many groups have stopped taking names because children are unlikely to get a place.

North Oxfordshire district commissioner Brian Sargent, which covers Kirtlington, Bicester, Banbury and Chipping Norton, believes those on the waiting list are the “tip of the iceberg”.

He said:“There is a steady stream of enquiries both directly to groups and via the various internet access points both locally and nationally.

“We think there are 50 per cent more kids out there who want to join Beavers at least, than are on the waiting list. With more adults we could be able to accommodate all those who want to join in the great adventure that Scouting provides for young people.”

About 200 volunteers would be needed to give all youngsters on the waiting list a place.

Scouting has undergone a massive resurgence in the past eight years – its chief Scout is adventurer Bear Grylls and The Duchess of Cambridge is a volunteer.

Mr Sargent said: “Scouting went through a period of decline in the 1970s and 1980s and that has been turned around. What we have got now, is that we are at bursting point.

“This is a success story. We can get youngsters into Scouting no problem, which is a great situation. Now we are seeing how we can persuade more adults to get involved.

“We provide all the necessary training and support for people to be able to have fun and feel that what they are contributing is worthwhile. What we are trying to do is prepare young people for the future.

“Some activities were ok in the 1950s, but there no point when you are living in the 21st century.

“Scouting is continually updating itself. It’s about empowering young people so they can be constructive citizens.”

Volunteers get free on-going training and mentoring.

Mr Sargent said: “People learn all sorts of skills in Scouting, not just tying knots or putting up tents but lots of other practical skills and leadership, management and people skills too.”

Cub and Beaver leader for 1st Bicester Jill Edwards, 72, has been a volunteer for about 40 years and is the only one in Bicester to gain the Silver Wolf badge for her dedication to the organisation.

It was presented last summer by chief scout Bear Grylls.

She said: “It has certainly given me a lot of pleasure.

“It’s a good base for children and gives them a stepping stone to know what they can achieve in life.

“For anyone interested I would say come and see us, join the fun and see if you like it.”