Could you be a scout leader?

Assistant Commissioner for Scouts in Monmouthshire Chris Munslow told the Argus: "There are at least 30 youngsters on the waiting list in Monmouth and a similar situation throughout the county.

"We get more than one enquiry a week from children wanting to join cubs and beavers, but I must have had one enquiry in the last year from an adult wanting to become a leader."

In the Newport area, organisers don't keep waiting lists, but a "drastic need for volunteer support" means there are no scout groups in areas such as the Gaer, Maesglas and Lliswerry, with a large number of youngsters missing out.

Newport district scout commissioner Dave Pollard said: "No-one gets children off the streets better than the scouts.

"From six to 25 years of age, so much is offered such as environmental awareness, camping with wood fires, first aid and for the older ones, challenges such as climbing Mount Everest."

There are five age groups- Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10), Scouts (10-14), Explorer Scouts (14-18) and the Network Section (18-25).

Mr Pollard suggests that some potential leaders may be put off by criminal checks that go with working with children.

The scouts have had a resurgence in popularity, with numbers increasing by seven per cent in Gwent during its centenary year 2007.

In Newport, 200 additional youngsters have joined in the past year.

In total, there are now 2,136 beavers, cubs and scouts in Gwent but just 23 county commissioners (or leaders) to look after these.

The need to get more leaders involved is recognised by Mayor of Newport Allan Morris. One if his chosen charities is the Scouts and Guides.

He said: "A lot of the money raised will go towards training adults up, as getting them involved is vitally important."

If you are interested in becoming a leader call: 0800 6523142.