The Scouting movement is now growing more rapidly than for generations. Total membership in Britain rose by 16,500 last year to nearly 500,000, the fifth consecutive annual rise and the largest growth in 38 years.
The increase is largely due to strategic decisions to make the movement more appealing to young people. It has certainly been effective at Highbury Church Cheltenham, where the Scout group is an important part of the church's life.
Leader Felicity Cleaves, seen in the picture with some the group members, writes:
'We now have many of the children from the Church in the Group and it is exciting to see them enjoying all that Scouting has to offer. Members of the Church are also involved as leaders and supporters.
'We have certainly seen consistent interest in Beaver Scouts; Cub Scouts and Scouts.
'The makeover in Scouting meant that a group such as ours now only caters for young people up to the age of 14 when they join District-run Explorer Scout Units. However, I know that the popularity of the Explorer Units means many more of the young people we have seen through the Group are continuing in Scouting and the opportunity of working as Young Leaders is also proving popular.
'The need for more volunteers is something I am well aware of due to the numbers of young people wanting to join at all ages and also to the changing needs of current leaders.'