Increase In Wrexham Scouts Takes National Numbers To Record Level

An intake of 84 new Scouts in Wrexham during the past twelve months has helped take the UK total to its highest level this century.

The news comes as details of The Scout Association’s annual census were published on Thursday.

Scouting in Wrexham has grown 10% in the past twelve months, helping the UK membership to reach 525,327.

Total numbers across the county borough now stand at an impressive 939 members in what is the seventh consecutive year of expansion for Wrexham Scouts.

The Scout Association has cited the range of activities available to members and offering youngsters the chance to achieve their full potential as the main reasons for continued growth.

The increase has also been helped by the number of teenagers signing up in the past year. Across the UK, 2,455 Explorer Scouts have signed up in this period.

In Wrexham, 34 Explorer Scouts have chosen to sign up to the organisation’s Young Leaders’ Scheme. Through the programme, Explorer Scouts make a commitment to work as leaders in sections of the movement aimed at younger people such as Beaver and Cub Scout packs.

Explorer Scout Chris Morcumb, 14 from Wrexham, said: “I really enjoy being a Young Leader with the Scouts. I help out at my local Beaver Scouts and it’s great to see the smiles on their faces when we do an exciting activity. I remember the fun I had when I was their age and being part of the team that gives something back is great.”

“I’m also a member of an active Explorer Scout Unit. We’re kayaking down the River Wye for three days in a few weeks time, and then in the summer we’re going on expedition to Croatia.”

Elliot Jones from Wrexham has just turned 18 and has become an adult leader said: “I was a Young Leader for 4 years and had a great time. I’m now an Assistant Cub Scout Leader and the skills I learned over the last few years are coming in really handy.

“I think more people are helping when they’re 14 as they had Young Leaders helping them when they were a Beaver, Cub or Scout, and saw them as role models they aspired to be like.”

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “It is so great to see Scout numbers rising in Wrexham and a big reason for this is the number of teenagers joining the adventure.

“More and more young people are realising that Scouting offers them so much – whether its the opportunity to go on a big international adventure or the chance to learn and hone vital life skills.

“I am also excited to see so many young people have committed their time to give back as Young Leaders. Leadership in Scouting offers so many personal rewards and practical benefits, and so many employers nowadays recognise these as being both empowering and work/life-enhancing. There truly is something for everyone in the world of scouting.”