Figures have revealed that the High Wycombe Cubs and Scouts have seen an increase of those wanting to join the organisation over the last few months. 

The latest data shows that there has been a six percent rise in Cubs (boys and girls aged eight to 10 ½) joining the organisation whilst the Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 ½ to 14) have seen an increase of 24 percent.

And following the significant interest in growth, 29th High Wycombe has opened a new section for Scouts to meet the current growing demand and at the time of publishing, there are around 130 children on a waiting list to join either group.

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Lead volunteer Paul Cleaver said: “It’s great to see more young people joining Scouts and learning skills for life.

“The brilliant volunteers provide a wide range of activities for children and young people.

“These activities may range from cooking to kayaking or abseiling to science.

“If we could get some more adults involved then we could provide even more opportunities for children on the waiting list.”

And despite being in lockdown the volunteers are providing the children in both the Cubs and Scouts with activities.

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Across platforms such as Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, children participated in scavenger hunts, quizzes, and talking about their hobbies.

Additionally, many of the Beavers (boys and girls aged six to eight) have worked towards their special badge for VE Day which included making a parachute, writing their name in Morse Code, and making a flag.

Cub member Robert Savage said: “I really like being in Cubs as we do something different each week.

“In Cubs, we’ve been camping, handled reptiles, tried circus skills, made pancakes and have done some science experiments.

“Last week I was involved in a world record event and slept in a tent in the garden.

“A hedgehog walked into the garden as we saw it on our garden camera.”

For further information about Scouting, click here.