Perth and Kinross District Scouts 2022 Census
Scouts’ youth membership in Perth and Kinross surges at greatest pace for 80 years
- Membership of Scouts in Perth and Kinross has risen by 12% since 2021 to over 1,464 faster than any point in the last 80 years.
- Bear Grylls: “The Scouts play a fundamental role in equipping young people with skills for life.”
28th April 2022: There are almost 35,000 Scouts in Scotland and 420,000 across the UK, with membership numbers rising faster than at any point for 80 years according to figures released today by Scouts. Youth membership alone in Perth and Kinross – those aged between 4 and 18 – has grown from 1,313 to 1,464 between 2021 and 2022, a 12% increase.
Scouts’ annual census provides a snapshot of youth and adult membership. Scouts is more important than ever before, giving young people life skills, a sense of connection and belonging.
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout: said
“The Scouts play a fundamental role in the lives of young people, and it is fantastic to see that acknowledged through an increase in membership after a tough couple of years. The pandemic proved the importance of coming together and it’s great to see Scouts enjoying new experiences and learning vital skills for life again. But, as we build back our membership, we need the help of more adult volunteers so that we can continue providing opportunities for many more prospective young Scouts.”
The 12% INCREASE in membership in Perth and Kinross over the last year has been a welcome boost to the Scouts and this is likely to increase further with the first Squirrel Drey for 4 and 5 year olds set to open in Perth and Kinross later in the year.
Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society and create connections. They have the opportunity to go outdoors, try new activities, make new friends and learn new skills.
Research has shown that the benefits of scouting extend far into adulthood. By the time Scouts reach 50 years old, they are 15% less likely to suffer anxiety or mood disorders. Recent evidence has suggested that children and young people’s mental health has suffered substantially due to the COVID-19 pandemic with Scouts offering a valuable opportunity to help young people develop a support network.
Gregor, a Beaver at 1st Kinross Scout Group said:
“After COVID it was hard to meet new people because we had been at home for so long. Being at Beavers has helped pull me back out of my shell. Being part of something and learning lots of new skills and things I missed out on during lockdown has been brilliant. I think that children need Scouting now more than ever.”
As the 2022 census figures are celebrated, more volunteers are needed to help return Membership numbers to pre-pandemic membership levels. With 256 young people are waiting to join in Perth and Kinross, it’s clear more adult volunteers are needed to inspiring younger Scouts and helping teach them skills for life.
Volunteering with the Scouts can bring real benefits to those who choose to join the Scouts. Volunteers for the Scouts report having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%).
Daryl Scott, Perth and Kinross District Commissioner (Strathearn Area) said:
“It’s great to see young people returning to Scouting in their thousands and making new friends, learning new skills, and helping their communities rebuild after Covid. Volunteering with Scouts is very rewarding, fun and good for you. For anyone wanting to meet new people and learn new skills, I’d encourage you to volunteer with the Scouts. We have a range of roles available – from running activities for young people at a weekly meeting through to doing maintainace on Scout Group buildings a couple of times year: What ever you want to do we have a volunteering role for you”
Those interested in learning more about volunteering for the Scouts or joining as a volunteer can find out more information on the website.
Further context:
- 1941 to 1942/3, membership grew from 284,878 to 340,378 across the UK – an increase of 19.7%
- Pre-pandemic youth membership in Scotland was 40,161 (2020)
- Up until the pandemic, The Scouts enjoyed a sustained period of growth
- 2020 to 2021, youth membership in Scotland fell from 40,161 to 30,995 – a 22.8% decline
- 2021 to 2022 membership growth is 30,995 to 34,667 – an increase of 11.8%
