Scouting is on the up in Bristol

Whether you were a Scout as a child, or you are now a parent to one, you may be surprised to hear that the organisation is now more popular than ever.

The worldwide youth movement aims to support young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, so that they may play constructive roles in society.

Philip Bird, Assistant County Commissioner for Avon Scouts, said: "The public perception is probably that Scouting is on the decline but it's the exact opposite.

"There are large areas of Bristol where we have seen a 10% growth, so it's proving that the youth service that we're providing is what the young people need."

Scouting began in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island in England.

That military aspect has always been a prominent part of the movement but it has not always been popular.

"The style of the uniform is not as severe, for want of a better phrase, as it used to be - it's a lot more friendly uniform," added Mr Bird.

"We are a uniformed youth organisation and that's one of the things that holds us apart from other organisations."

"I've been scuba diving, and I never thought I'd get to do that"
Kim Savill, Explorer Scout

Despite this success, demand still far outstrips supply - across the UK there are around 33,000 young people waiting to join the fun.

In the former Avon area alone there are more than 1,000 young people who are on waiting lists because there aren't enough local volunteers to support Scouting.

Sue Savill has been a volunteer Explorer Scout leader for some 20 years. She said: "The amount of time you put in is purely up to you really. I enjoy it.

"To watch the kids grow and do things they haven't done before, it's brilliant."

Sue's daughter Kim is an Explorer Scout, and she said there is a really simple reason why she joined up: "It's just really adventurous. You get to do stuff that you'd never thought you'd ever get to do.

"I've been scuba diving, and I never thought I'd get to do that. And you get to go on hikes and see the country."

And the movement shows no sign of losing its popularity - in 2007, Scouting and Guiding together had more than 38 million members in 216 countries.

If you want to find out more about Scouting (for young people and adults) check out www.avonscouts.org.uk/join or call 0845 300 18 18.

BBC iPlayer: Ian Hislop's Scouting for Boys
Avon Scouts
The Scout Association
Wikipedia: Scouting
Wikipedia: Robert Baden-Powell