Clwyd Scouts Recruit 1000th Volunteer

Clwyd Scouts have just recruited their 1,000th adult volunteer. The group which covers Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham now have 1,017 adults in a huge variety of roles, some with quite a large time commitment, but some contributing an hour here and there.

Louise Bruce from Wrexham volunteered to become an occasional helper with the Bishop’s Own scout group when her son couldn’t join due to the beaver scouts being full, but found out that the scouts had plans that would mean her son had a place, but they needed her help.

She’s in good company too, recently HRH the Duchess of Cambridge volunteered to become an occasional helper with her local beavers and cubs near her home on Anglesey.

Louise said, “I was told they’d like to open a second beaver group, but they needed adults to step forward to join a rota that would provide enough adult support. My son Gabriel couldn’t wait to join after hearing about beavers from his friends, so it’s great he can join with just a little bit of help from me.”

At her first night helping the beavers were finding out about healthy eating by trying different types of unusual fruits. She doesn’t need to spend any time preparing for the nights, that’s all done by the beaver scout leaders, and just needs to turn up and lend a hand for an hour.

Gabriel, aged 5¾, is now a happy member of the beaver scouts. He said, “I’m glad mum can help so I can join. I’ve made cakes and got my hobbies badge.”

Gordon Richardson is area commissioner for Clwyd Scouts and said: “It’s great that people like Louise can find time to volunteer their time to help with the development of young people within North East Wales. Flexible volunteering is key when it comes to supporting scouting, and it doesn’t necessarily mean working directly with young people.

“Louise has joined a parent helper rota with Bishop’s Own Scout Group, which means she has agreed with the leader when she can help based on her time commitment, but this isn’t the only way people can volunteer. We also need people who can help with administrative functions; skills that many people have through to their working life and may only require a commitment of twelve hours per year”.

If you’d like to join Louise, and Kate, then get the scouts a ring on 0845 300 1818 or visit www.scouts.org.uk/join