Scouts Scotland’s growth is a new badge of honour

Movement now has more adult volunteers than ever before in our history, finds Katie Docherty

Scouts Scotland has just released the results of our annual census of Scouting in Scotland, and I was very proud that we announced another year of growth – our 11th in a row.

We now have more than 50,000 members in Scotland for the first time this century, and have recorded more adult volunteers than ever before in our 110 year history, including a nine per cent increase in our adult Leaders who work directly with young people.

Each of our five youth sections grew, and I was particularly pleased that our Explorer section (ages 14-18) grew by 4.5 per cent this year - the fastest growing section in Scotland.

This section is growing not only because young people are staying in Scouting for longer, but new members are joining for the first time at this age because they recognise that Scouting gives them skills and experiences that they do not get in the classroom. This growing demand means we have a third more groups across Scotland now than we did in 2012.

The current environment is really tough for young people planning their future. A great CV needs more than academic grades, whether you wish to study further or join the workplace. Indeed, the Association of Graduate Recruiters reported last month that half of employers believe graduates lack essential workplace skills when first hired.

Scouts develop a whole range of important life skills that educators and employers are looking for. Over half of Scouts believe that the skills for life we offer set us apart from oth- er after-school activities. Whichever route young people decide to take, these skills are vital to their success. Research from the thinktank Demos found that our ethos and activities, particularly at Explorer age, underpin the acquisition of a broad range of soft skills. Scouts develop team-working, leadership, resilience and problem solving skills, as well as demonstrating commitment and resolve through their participation.

Demos also found that Scouting opens up invaluable networks and social opportunities for young people as well. 41 per cent of employers reported that an applicant’s involvement in scouting would be a positive influence on their decision to hire them. Scouting also helps our members stay healthy long after they have left. An Edinburgh University study last year showed that being a Scout, no matter your socioeconomic background, leads to better mental health outcomes in later life.

Every week at Scout groups across Scotland young people develop new skills that benefit them and their communities. The emphasis on the skills Explorer Scouts gain does not mean we compromise any aspect of Scouting in the pursuit of employability. Our Leaders deliver a fun and engaging programme to every age group, and our growth in membership shows that we are doing something right. ● Katie Docherty is Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland (www. scouts.scot)