Luton Scouts: Outstanding Growth
Today, Luton Scouts announce that its membership has grown by 10.4% in the last 12 months. And this year the growth was led by an impressive 25% increase in our volunteers, up 73 on last year, one of the biggest rises in the UK.
Total membership in Luton rose from just over 1,200 in 2015 to 1,345 making it the largest number of young people and adults in our movement since the turn of the century.
Spokesman Gerald Law said, “We also saw an increase in young female membership of 9.8%. Today one in four young people in Luton Scouts is female. This follows a national trend that began 25 years ago when the movement opened its doors to young women.”
Survival expert and Chief Scout Bear Grylls said, “I am super proud to see so many young people and adults learning new life skills, and achieving personal rewards through Scouting in the UK. I am excited to see Scout numbers continue to rise in Bedfordshire and across the UK, especially the numbers of girls.
“What I’m most pleased about is that Scouts across the UK are putting their time in to helping their local communities. Through our A Million Hands campaign we are pledging one million hands to supporting four of the biggest social issues currently facing the UK and the wider world, but we can’t do it on our own.
“We want all young people to come and give Scouting a try and to get involved. This is how we can all play a vital role in shaping tomorrow’s world for the better.”
Much of Luton’s success is down to a new Scout Group opened last year at River Bank Primary School. Assistant Leader Komal Tariq said, “I joined because it gave me adventure and challenges and the thrill of helping our young people. It was a fantastic start with over 40 young people and 10 adult volunteers. We have a great time. And it’s open to anyone who wants to join.”
Luton has 19 thriving groups all within easy travelling distance of the town centre. And with a combined membership of 1,345 including 365 volunteers, the Scouts have the ability to make a lasting impression on the town’s youth.
