A Scout group in Richmond is appealing for more adult volunteers after being forced to close one of its sections due to a shortage of leaders.
The 1st Richmond Scout Group, which provides activities for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, says it has a waiting list of young people eager to join but cannot expand without more volunteer support.
Group lead volunteer Darren Clements, who has been involved in Scouting for a decade, said he first became a leader after helping at his son’s Beaver colony before eventually taking over the Richmond group seven years ago.
He said the organisation offers children a wide range of opportunities, from camping trips and outdoor adventures to practical life skills.
This year alone, members joined 800 other young people at CubJam in Pickering over the May bank holiday, while future plans include a family camp, bell boating and taking part in the Junior Warrior adventure race at Castle Howard.
“Our focus at the moment is skills for life,” Darren said. “We’re teaching them everything from tying shoelaces and knots to cooking, health and fitness, space and science. The young people absolutely love it.”
He said one of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is seeing children’s confidence grow.
“You see them come in at six years old, quiet and shy, and by the time they move up to Cubs they’re completely different. Parents tell us how much their children have changed, and that’s really rewarding.”
As a registered charity, the group relies entirely on volunteers and fundraising to keep costs affordable for families.
Despite rising costs, Darren said the group is determined not to price families out of Scouting.
However, the shortage of leaders has already had an impact. The Scout section was closed for a year before reopening in January, and plans to launch a Squirrel Drey for children aged four to six have been put on hold.
“I’d love to open another Beaver colony, another Cub pack and a Squirrel Drey,” Darren said. “But it all comes down to having enough adults to help. We want to continue giving young people the experiences and opportunities they can get through Scouting.”
The group is also encouraging supporters to raise funds through easyfundraising, which donates money to the charity at no extra cost whenever supporters shop online. Recent fundraising efforts have also secured a £500 grant from easyfundraising’s Impact Fund to help support the group’s future expansion.
To support 1st Richmond Scouts with every shop, sign up here. Learn more about the group here.
