A DESPERATE appeal has been launched to prevent a long-running children’s organisation from winding up.

The Beavers group in Kilmacolm has provided fun and enjoyment to thousands of kids in the village for the past 30 years.

But the group, which was set up in 1986, now looks set to shut due to a lack of volunteer leaders.

Stuart Wilson, group scout leader, says it’s a very sad situation.

He said: “This is a heartbreaking decision to make because I know how well loved Beavers is in Kilmacolm. 

“We consistently have around 30 children from the village taking part and having fun, not just on a Tuesday evening but at camps and fun days.

“Scouting brings lifelong skills and adventure to young people and Beavers provides the perfect start to that experience. 

“However, we need commitment from adult leaders to run the section and if no adults come forward to volunteer then we cannot have a Beaver Colony, it is as simple as that.”

Stuart says it’s now a race against the clock to find volunteer leaders before their annual general meeting on Tuesday August 29.

He added: “One of the problems with Beavers is that the leaders tend to be parents so when their children turn eight they leave, which is what has happened this time, and we have absolutely nobody to replace them.

“We need new leaders to take on the rewarding challenge of running Beavers either on a Tuesday or a Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm. 

“Full training and certification is provided and funded through the Scout Association, and the rewards are amazing.

“If nobody comes forward in time for our AGM on Tuesday 29 August we will close our Beaver Colony for the foreseeable future. 

“This means that all existing Beavers should not return and our waiting list will become void.”

Stuart says that if the Beavers close then children aged between six and eight would lose out.

He said: “There is nothing else for kids of that age.

“The girls do have rainbows but there is nothing else for the boys of that age as there is no Boys’ Brigade in the village.”

Stuart is keen to emphasise that the cubs, scouts and explorers are unaffected.

Anyone who is interested in putting their name forward to volunteer is asked to contact Stuart on 07957 933216 or via email at gsl42nd@outlook.com