The 1st/2nd/5th Louth Scout Group, based on the Castletown Rd have reported a 20% growth in youth members in the last 12 months. There are now almost 140 youth members supported by 26 adult volunteers. This is the highest number the group has had in over 20 years.
What is particularly significant is the growth in the age group of 12 to 15. This number has doubled with the reopening of 5th Louth Scout Troop on Thursday nights. Indeed Scouting all across Ireland has seen huge growth in the last number of years. The total membership of Scouting Ireland is in excess of 35,000. These figures mean that the scouting group first formed in 1907 by Baden Powell is now the largest youth organisation in the country.
Group leader Michelle Boyle explained why Scouting is growing so much “Scouting is a fantastic way for young people to learn how to live together and develop life skills that will help them throughout their lives. While we take part in fun and adventurous activities such as kayaking, camping, rock climbing, survival weekends and the like, there is a reason we do it. We do it so we can help young people develop into full and active citizens, able to work together in a team, show leadership and be adaptable to changing circumstances”.
With such a high number of 16 to 24 year olds now unemployed, the skills developed through scouting can become an asset on a CV.
1st/2nd/5th Louth caters for boys and young men from 6 up to 26. If you are ready for the adventure check out their website www.StPatricksScoutGroup.ie
