Something different for the iPod generation

Date Published: {J}

In a world full of computer games and android phones, many young people and their parents are finding the Scout movement increasingly attractive.

The organisation, which embraces the outdoor life and which teaches young people to be self sufficient and responsible, has seen a surge in membership in Ireland and Galway in recent years.

There are currently 100,000 members of the Scout movement nationally and membership is rising every year. That’s according to Pete Ashton, a Leader with the Cub Scouts in the 1st Galway – St Nicholas group.

Pete and his wife Mercedes Fleming both became involved with 1st Galway – St Nicholas, when their children, 12-year-old Callum and eight-year-old Iona joined the St Nicholas group about four years ago.

Their parents wanted them to learn independent living skills and sociability and the Scouts seemed perfect as the aim of scouting is to help young people develop socially, physically, intellectually, emotionally and physically, leading to well-rounded children and adults.

Callum and Iona love it.

For Callum, who is also involved in rugby and swimming, there are several attractions.

“I like the hiking and the adventures and I’ve made new friends,” he says, while Iona loves the hiking and earning badges for learning different skills.

Today’s Scouting movement carries on the tradition of the organisation that was founded in 1908 in England by Robert Baden-Powell, an ex British army officer.

In 1907 he held an experimental camp for 20 b

oys on the English coast, which involved camping skills, observation, woodcraft, lifesaving and games. From that the Boy Scouts were born, followed a couple of years later by the Girl Guides.

In Ireland, for almost a century there were two scouting organisation, the Scouts and the Catholic Boy Scouts, reflecting sectarian differences.

In recent years these have joined forces. And, in a concession to contemporary society, the Scouts also began to admit girls.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.