40 new members in Glamorgan West help take Scouting’s numbers to highest this Century
40 new Scouts in the past twelve months in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot have helped take the number in the UK to its highest this century. The news comes as details of The Scout Association’s annual census are published today.
Scouting in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot has grown 1.3% in the past twelve months, helping take total UK membership to 525,327. Total numbers in Glamorgan West now stand at 1670 and accounts for 10% of all Scouts in Wales.
This impressive surge in membership - the seventh consecutive year of expansion - has helped cement Scouting’s position as the largest co-educational youth Movement in the country. A large part is of this growth is due to the number of teenagers joining. Nationally, 2,455 Explorer Scouts have signed up in this period.
The Scout Association believes that the reasons for this growth are twofold. First, Scouting provides an enormous range of adventures for young people, allowing them to experience the great outdoors. In the UK Members can enjoy more than 200 activities including zorbing, water skiing, abseiling and adventure glider flights. Second, Scouting offers an environment for young people to achieve their full potential as individuals and responsible citizens. When joining up, all Scouts promise to do their best and help other people. These principles are reflected in the range of community work that Scout groups undertake week in-week out.
A report unveiled last year by consultants PACEC demonstrated the positive impact of Scouting for young people:
- 38% of youth members in Scouting have volunteered for another organisation.
- 40% of voluntary groups surveyed would not be able to get the same amount of work done if Scouts had not been involved
- 36% of former youth Scout members volunteer for 2 hours a week, compared to 26% for the general population
- Previous studies have also shown that each year Scout Leaders contribute the equivalent of 37 million hours voluntary work which is the equivalent of £380 million pounds worth of unpaid youth work.
Equally striking is the increase in Explorer Scouts who 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. Those involved in the Young Leaders’ scheme are offered full training by The Scout Association, helping them to develop and grow as individuals while aiding the personal development of other young people. Furthermore, the skills involved in leadership – such as communication and time planning – can be transferred to other environments like the workplace.
Explorer Scout Kyle Newton, 17 from Loughor said: “Getting involved in Scouting is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only do I get the opportunity to take part in a number of adventures but I also get to put something back into my local community. “I’ve recently committed to being a Young Leader to help ensure that the experiences I’ve had can be passed on to the next generation of young people. I’m picking up all sorts of useful skills that will be useful for my CV in the future.”
Chief Scout Bear Grylls said It is so great to see Scout numbers rising in South Wales 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.
Date Added - Wednesday 18th April 2012
Neath Port Talbot Christmas Post 2011
What is Scout Post?
Scout Post is a scheme that offers the public of Neath Port Talbot county borough an opportunity to send Christmas Cards at a fraction of the cost of Royal Mail. It has been in operation for over 25 years.
How the scheme works:-
Stamps are sold by retail outlets and cards are also posted at the same place. Stamps go on sale from the start of November and during this period cards are collected from the outlets and taken back to group headquarters for sorting into the other areas of the scheme.
Details for Scoutpost 2011
Send your cards for only 20p per card. 16p cheaper then Royal Mail!
- The last posting date for all cards is Wednesday 30th November 2011
Cards will only be delivered to the specified areas (please see map for details), we cannot be held responsible for cards posted to addresses outside of these areas.
If you have any queries please contact the Christmas Post Co-ordinator, Anthony Johnson via tony@afannedd.org.uk
Date Added - Tuesday 1st November 2011
Glamorgan West Fastest Growing Area in Wales
The results of the annual census of Scout membership by Gilwell Park reveal that Glamorgan West is currently the fastest growing area in Wales and second fastest in the UK.
We experienced an impressive 11% membership bump over the previous 12 months, making it our second year of growth. Also very promising is the 30% rise in girls joining, proving once and for all that we are no longer Boy Scouts.
Well done to all the hard work from our volunteers that made this possible. Keep an eye on today's (April 15th) papers and local radio for more on this story.
Date Added - Friday 15th April 2011
Japan Fundraising Badges
A group of Guiders, after seeing the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, have joined together to design & sell a badge to raise funds to help the people of Japan, via the charity Shelterbox.
It will be sold for £2.00 plus 60p for p.&p.
For more information on this great cause, please visit: http://www.girlguidingcymru.org.uk/girlguiding-news/japan-fund-raising-badge
Date Added - Tuesday 12th April 2011
Swansea Cub wins Pride Award
10 year old Alistair Horne from Christchurch Cubs receved the Evening Posts Pride Award for being a carer for his blind and diabetic mother, and helps look after his younger sister.
More informaton about Alistair and his award can be found at the Evening Post website:
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Brave-Alistair-ordinary-10-year-old/article-3307003-detail/article.html
Date Added - Sunday 13th March 2011
