Spokeswoman Anne Jackson said two leaders were needed for each group of Joeys (nine to seven years), Cubs (eight to 11 years), Scouts (11 to 14 years) and Venturers (14 to 17 years).

“Circumstances have changed for some of our former leaders so that they are no longer able to commit to leading,” Mrs Jackson said.

“Leaders need to be 18 years old, except in the case of the Venturers, where they need to be 21, because we can’t have 18-year-olds leading 17-year-olds.”

People registered for volunteer service with CentreLink are eligible to become leaders.

“They can join and they will be most welcome, as we are a registered provider of such placements,” Mrs Jackson said.

She said TAFE students could also be placed to tie in with their courses.

“Training is provided, it is on-the-job and we meet that expense. We have enough people to supervise the leaders.”

Scouts starts again next week to tie in with the end of the school holidays.

Mrs Jackson is cautiously optimistic that the groups will have good numbers this year, after they successfully organised popular games at Corrigans Reserve on Australia Day.

“We will need to see who comes back, and how many people leave town,” she said.

“That is the challenge in a rural area; people’s circumstances often change.

“However, we had lots of interest on Australia Day and we have had many phone calls since then.”

For more information about scouts phone Paul Hamer on 0419 281 805.