I am writing in response to the article regarding the lack of leaders in the Scouts (The Argus, January 24).

I have been involved in Cub Scouting as a leader for the past 18 years and have now decided the time has come to hang up my woggle.

This is not so much to do with the so-called "compensation culture" but with the lack of enjoyment caused by red tape, parents' attitudes and the public's perception of Scouting.

I am a parent of two, so I am all too aware of the need of health and safety and protection for young people. But over the years this has grown to the point where you cannot do anything - even playing a simple game - without filling in forms and carrying out "risk assessments".

Then you also have the unfortunate problem that Scouting is seen by some parents as a cheap, glorified babysitting service, where they can dump their children, then go down the pub.

Because of this lack of parental care, many young people are rude and have no respect for authority or rules. They also believe that as leaders, we are paid to spend time with them when we are not and we often have to use our own holiday time to take them away to camps.

Scouting is a truly wonderful experience for young people, giving them opportunities they may not otherwise have. It gives them a good grounding as they grow in the world, helping them cope with whatever is thrown at them.

Scouting is not, as many of the public believe, a hotbed of child molesters who like little boys in shorts. This comment is often thrown at me when I say I am a Cub Scout leader. It does not help that the media are quick to tell the world if a Scouter has gone wrong and not so quick if Scouting has been involved in something good.

Scouting is approaching its centenary next year and I pray it will survive to its next one but unless there is more compromise and help for those selfless adults who give so much of their time voluntarily, I cannot see it happening.

-Claire Wilkins, Patcham