the NEWS that young Scots are missing out on places in the Brownies and Guides due to a shortage in volunteers is disappointing, but a reality youth organisations are so often faced with ("Girlguiding issues appeal for volunteers", The Herald, September 17).
What is welcome is that there is demand for places in youth organisations and a belief in the benefits membership can bring to the lives of young people.
I know, from our own organisation, the Boys' Brigade, that there has been something of a renaissance recently, with membership increasing. We now have 20,000 members across 450 groups throughout Scotland and are looking to grow that further through our Growing Bigger, Growing Better campaign.
To grow, we rely heavily on adult volunteers. Like the Brownies, many of our groups tell us that they would welcome even more children and young people, but can only do so if more willing people give up their time and talents to make a difference to the lives of young people.
Bill Stevenson,
Director, Scotland, The Boys' Brigade,
Scottish HQ,
Carronvale House,
Carronvale Road,
Larbert.
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