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5 months ago

84 people join Scouting every hour: A decade of remarkable growth

Over the past decade, World Scouting has achieved substantial growth, marking a significant chapter in its history. Between 2014 and 2022, membership within World Scouting expanded by an impressive 22.6% equivalent to roughly 84 individuals joining Scouting every hour. This surge underscores the enduring appeal and relevance of Scouting around the world, even amid unprecedented challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Movement’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment facilitated a strong resurgence, with membership numbers approaching their historic peak last seen in 2019.

Sustained growth amid challenges

The period from 2014 to 2024 saw continuous growth within the Scout Movement, with Member Organizations not just recovering but expanding their reach even further in the face of adversity. During the 2021-2024 Triennium, membership saw an additional 7% increase, signalling a robust recovery following the pandemic’s disruptions. This trajectory is not only a testament to the resilience of Member Organizations but also of the Movement’s widespread and enduring appeal of Scouting to young people and adults alike.

Youth membership on the up, record numbers of female Scouts

A particularly noteworthy aspect of this growth has been the rise in youth membership, which surged by 41% between 2014 and 2024. Gender-wise, male youth membership increased by 12% while female youth membership was up by 23%, reaching nearly 17 million – the highest in Scouting’s history. This period also witnessed an improvement in gender balance, with female members increasing to 38% from 36%. These figures reflect the inclusiveness of Scouting and its effectiveness in attracting a diverse range of young people.

Regional highlights

Scouting’s growth has been particularly robust in key regions. The Asia-Pacific Region led the way, adding over 5.3 million members, followed by the African region with 2.5 million new members. Notable increases were also recorded in Africa and Europe, with 227,159 and 214,887 new members, respectively. The Africa Region achieved the highest relative jump in growth at +104%, followed by the Arab Region (+81%), and the Asia-Pacific Region (+17.7%).
 
While most regions experienced growth, the Interamerican Region faced challenges, with a 37.4% decline in membership. However, this trend reversed during the 2021-2024 Triennium, with the region recording a 17.9% increase – the highest relative growth during this period – demonstrating a positive turnaround.

Expanding market share and reaching new countries

Reflecting on Vision 2023, one of World Scouting’s key objectives was to increase its global market share by 2%. By 2024, World Scouting had achieved a 1.22% increase in market share, bringing it to 3.29%. This growth highlights the success of World Scouting’s efforts to engage more young people, particularly in regions where the movement’s reach was previously smaller.
 
The past decade has also seen the addition of 18 new National Scout Organizations to the Movement, bringing the total to 176. This expansion has further solidified World Scouting’s global footprint and reinforced its position as the largest youth movement in the world.

The keys to growth: innovative youth programmes, safeguarding and volunteer opportunities

As the Scout Movement looks to the future, there remains much to be done to sustain and build on this growth. Key priorities include the ongoing innovation of youth programmes to meet the evolving needs of young people, ensuring a safe environment for their adventures and personal development, and providing adult members with meaningful opportunities. Strengthening Member Organizations to be adaptable and fit-for-purpose in response to changing societal needs will also be crucial in maintaining Scouting’s leadership in the global youth movement.
 
The past decade has been one of impressive growth for the Scout Movement, but the journey doesn’t end here. With continued dedication and innovation, the Scout Movement is well-positioned to inspire and empower even more young people in the years to come.

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84 people join Scouting every hour: A decade of remarkable growth