At a time when it seems that there is little good news and not very much to celebrate; this is certainly good news and something to celebrate.

International Volunteer Day comes just before we begin our Centenary celebrations. This gives us a great opportunity to share not only what we do week by week in Scouting but the impact our Movement has had on young people and adults over the past 100 years.

Scouts world-wide will be taking part in special programmes to mark the Centenary. We plan to invite all former Scouts and friends of Scouting to be part of these special celebrations too, especially on 1 August for Scouting's Sunrise. It is by sharing our volunteering experience that new volunteers will be interested in joining. Scouting will certainly grow and develop when it attracts more volunteers to share their time and talents with us.

So thank you for your contribution to the Movement. Please tell your friends and family how much Scouting means to you and set yourself a target to recruit at least one friend or colleague to Scouting as your gift for the centenary.

We will all see the benefits in years to come.

On behalf of 28 million Scouts world-wide, thank you for your support.

For more information on our Centenary celebrations click here.