Scouts lack leaders

SCOUT groups throughout the South Burnett may close as soon as December due to a decline in leadership numbers.

Scouts of Australia hold grave concerns for the four remaining clubs in the region that are dangerously low on Scout Leaders.

The Nanango, Kingaroy, Proston and Wooroolin clubs are all on the bare minimum number of leaders and cannot afford to lose any more.

The Kingaroy club is facing possible closure by the end of the year, following the Barambah/Murgon Scout Club, which closed in September from a lack of leadership.

Scouts Australia district commissioner Christine Littlejohns said unless adults put up their hands, the clubs would be forced to close.

"We are getting to the point where the future of Scouts in the area is looking dire," she said.

Mrs Littlejohns, who has been part of the organisation locally for 14 years, said the problem came down to lack of leaders, not lack of demand.

"If we can get the leaders, we get the kids," she said.

The decline in leadership at the Scouts has been an ongoing trend in the region with Wondai closing its doors a decade ago and unable to reopen, despite repeated attempts.

If you are interested in becoming a leader or helping the local clubs, phone 0422617497.