Hannah Gray looks at the fortunes of Scouting in Peterborough, and talks to the young leaders who are helping to create a new image for the organisation.

FEW people could be more delighted with the increase in membership in Scouting than Martin Hall, the assistant county commissioner for Peterborough.

He has been involved in the movement for 20 years, and assistant county commissioner since last November, and has seen it enjoy all kinds of fortunes.

Three years ago Scouting in the city reached a low point when the total number involved was just 1,011.

Today the number has risen by 10 per cent to a healthy 1,111, including 243 Beavers, who are aged six to eight, 322 Cubs (aged eight to 10), 233 Scouts, who range in age from 10 to 14, and 58 aged 14 to 18 who are Explorers, plus 255 adults.

So why did Scouting hit a low point?

"There was a perception that it was old fashioned," Martin said. "I think Scouting had already started to change but people hadn't realised. Since then we've had a new uniform and a new programme.

"I suppose the kids would say it wasn't cool but I've found over the last few years numbers have been rising continually across the county, in the city and nationally and it's all to do with us offering an exciting programme, lots of camping and lots of activities."

As well as the increase in numbers, Martin is particularly pleased with the ages of youngsters choosing to stay in Scouting.

"What is good is that there are more teenagers now," he said.

Martin believes that the Scouts being given the Freedom of the City last year helped raise the organisation's profile, as did a range of celebrations for the centenary year in 2007.

Another factor, he believes is the formation of Explorer Scouts, which caters for youngsters aged 14 to 18.

"Certainly in Peterborough they've become quite a tight-knit group," he said.

Girls have been able to join the movement since July 1991 and I wondered if this had made a difference to the numbers.

"It must have made a difference because we do have some girls but it wasn't the significant changing moment," Martin said.

"I think what has changed is that we have become better at offering young people the activities they want and having so many younger leaders helps."

Young leaders were introduced in Peterborough for the first time about five years ago.

Martin said these youngsters bring enthusiasm to the pack they help out with, and are also better placed to get on with their charges.

"They know what it's like to be a teenager," he said.

"It's all very well me saying 'I can remember what it was like when I was a teenager' but it's different now. They relate to the members more like a friend and the combination of having young leaders and someone with a bit more experience is proving really successful."

It's clear that having young leaders is good for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, but Martin also believes that it has advantages for the leaders themselves as it gives them confidence.

He said: "Confidence in their own ability is a big thing. You get that with a number of Scouting activities, people realise 'I can do this'. It makes them feel good about themselves and it's good fun. I always believe that's the only reason anyone should ever become a leader."

Next page: Young leaders help keep Scouting relevant for its members