A scouting group who recently celebrated their centennial year have reflected on the importance and relevance of the movement 100 years on.

The 44th Bury Scout Group, also known as the Rector of Bury’s Own Troop, celebrated the landmark on September 22 with a centenary church parade and garden party.

Now, a group member has come forward to encourage new participants, and attest to the “skills for life” the scouts continue to impart on youngsters worldwide.

Assistant scout leader at the 44th Bury Scouts, Lindsay Clynes, said: “Scouts is there to equip young people with ‘skills for life’.

“It evolves with the times to stay as relevant to young people today as it did 100 years ago.

“We provide an environment that allows young people to develop their teamwork skills, communication and resilience.

"All things that would help in later life.”

Lindsay says among the services that the scouts offer, are outdoor activities and working towards "badges" that are designed to equip young people with valuable life skills.

These are modelled on Robert Baden-Powell’s original blueprint for scouts, "Scouting for Boys", a 1908 instruction book on good citizenship.

“Badges are awarded and regularly updated to ensure scouts are offering what young people need now,” Lindsay said.

“This includes the money skills badge or digital citizen badge.

“Badges are important to our young people as they enjoy achieving them and wearing them on uniforms with pride.

"For example, chef badges are awarded for cooking skills, and disability awareness badges are geared towards understanding and how to support others.

“From a leader’s point of view, there are some badges that are very important to cover, such as the first aid badge which we regularly do with all age groups.

"Having this badge system also helps keeps variety within the club, so it stays interesting and fun.”

Lindsay also stressed how the practical outdoor activities the scouts are known for remain integral to the life and mission of the youth movement.

She added: “Scouts has always aimed to get young people into the great outdoors and have adventures together.

"We offer everything from climbing to archery and fire lighting!

“We have a great mix of young people from the age of six right up to 17 who love to get involved in sleepovers, camps and outdoor adventures.”

It is all these things that make scouting still relevant and popular even after 100 years, Lindsay emphasised.

She said: “We give young people the space and tools to build confidence and life skills, hoping to set them up for future successes in adulthood.

“We're an open door to all young people and welcome them all to come and join in the friendship and fun scouting offers.”

To join the 44th Bury Scout Group, which is part of the Bury and Ramsbottom Scouts, visit brscouts.org.uk.