SCOUTS in Stourbridge have reported the highest number of adult volunteers on record, in its latest annual membership figures.

The area now has 198 volunteers, more than at any point in its history, but despite such high numbers of volunteers, the waiting list for young people who want to join the Scouts in Stourbridge has sky-rocketed 33 per cent.

Scouting continues to grow, and there are now 653 young people involved in Scouting in Stourbridge and including adult volunteers, total membership today is up by 13 per cent at 851.

Mark Bache, lead volunteer for the Black Country, said: “Our adult volunteers today seek much more flexible volunteering arrangements than in the past, so that they can fit it around their busy lives.

“Many adults who are signing up with the Scouts have a limited amount of time to donate to us, and so we need more volunteers as a whole in order to accommodate the continued demand for Scouting among young people.

“I’m therefore calling on adults who want to make a difference to the lives of young people in their communities to give Scouting a go.

“We know that not having enough time is the main barrier to volunteering among adults, which is why we want to make it easier by offering flexibility in a range of roles from Scout group leaders to administrative and trustee positions.”

The Cub Scouts (eight to 10 year-olds) is the most popular Stourbridge Scouting section, with 219 members – 15 young people joining in the last 12 months.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: “I’m super proud that we have so many adult volunteers are helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in life.

“Our challenge is to keep recruiting even more adults as we’ve got 51,000 young people wanting to join and benefit from what Scouting offers. Volunteering changes us all for the better.

“Please join me.”

Last month, five new celebrities signed up to be ambassadors for The Scout Association to promote the vital skills that its members develop through Scouting.

The celebrities include Paralympic and Olympic gold medallists Ellie Simmonds and Helen Glover along with TV presenters Anita Rani and Steve Backshall, and survival expert Megan Hine.

Helen said: “Adult volunteers are the lifeblood of our movement. As a volunteer myself in my capacity as a Scout Ambassador, I recognise the vital importance of helping young people develop skills for life.

“I call on anyone with a little time and enthusiasm to help us. Whatever your skill, big or small, come and share it and help inspire the next generation.”

To volunteer with the Scouting in Stourbridge visit www.scouts.org.uk/join