THE Scout movement in the UK is thriving and the Teifi area is no different as youngsters flock to join the organisation.

Total membership now stands at 618,000 nationwide - up by 7.8% from last year’s total of 573,943 after 12 successive years of growth but with 51,000 youngsters on the waiting list.

UK Scouting also has a staggering 154,000 volunteers – the largest number of volunteers in its entire history and while this number is certainly an impressive one, there’s still a need for more.

Clive Edmonds, district commissioner for the Teifi area which covers Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Llandysul, Aberporth and Cenarth, said: “We are growing but we are suffering from a lack of leaders and looking for people from the Ceredigion area level right through to the uniform and non-uniform level.

“At the moment we have groups who are running at minimum levels for leaders. We have minimum requirements that we must have ‘x’ numbers to run activities and more when we go outside.

“Some groups are finding it difficult to get enough leaders to do their activities.”

To become a Scout volunteer, people have to undergo strict safeguarding procedures, including a DBS check and there is a training programme in operation.

Chief commissioner Tim Kidd said: ‘I’m calling on adults who want to make a difference to the lives of young people in their communities to give Scouting a go.

“We know that not having enough time is the main barrier to volunteering among adults, which is why we want to make it easier by offering flexibility in a range of roles from Scout group leaders to administrative and trustee positions.”

Around 17,000 more volunteers are needed nationwide and Chief Scout Bear Grylls said: "Our challenge is to keep recruiting even more adults as we've got 51,000 young people wanting to join and benefit from what Scouting offers.”

Anyone interested in a volunteering role in the Teifi area should contact Clive Edmonds on 01559 363715.

“Our aim is for youngsters to have an exciting time but in a controlled environment,” he said.

• The annual St George’s Parade in Cardigan will take place on Sunday April 23, from the Guildhall in the centre of town at 2pm, with up to 70 youngsters expected to take part.