THERE is no doubt that scouting is thriving when you see the numbers involved, and of all ages, in the St George's Parade (April 22).

As scouting is again reshaping its organisation to remain attractive to the younger generation, readers may be interested to know more.

Our son Paul Smith, who led the parade, began as a beaver, and through the Fulford Garrison Scouts progressed from cub to scout and to venture scout.

This year he achieved the Queen's Scout Award.

His next and biggest challenge will begin in August. Paul will be travelling to Kenya with a group of fellow students from Durham University. There, they will be involved in a combined project of building a community centre and a teaching commitment for eight weeks in a remote village.

Without his scouting background, it is very unlikely he would be setting out on such a worthwhile venture.

He would be grateful to hear from anyone who could assist in any way with the likely costs of travel, medical aid, building materials and equipment to enable the project towards completion.

For more details, please contact (01904) 633372.

Fiona and Alan Smith,

Fordlands Road, York.

Updated: 08:33 Saturday, April 27, 2002