Ever since it was officially recognised by Royal charter in 1912, the Scout Association has taught British kids the type of campfire practicality and social do-gooding that is arguably lacking in our tech-rich, late capitalist world.

All that is in danger, however, as the organisation is having to turn away young applicants due to a lack of adult volunteers willing to teach them life skills such as how to tie knots, launch watercraft and work together to achieve a goal.

According to Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, the waiting list is now upwards of 51,000 young people (it was 35,000 this time last year), with an extra 17,000 volunteers needed to cope with the demand.

"Volunteering changes us all for the better," said the adventurer and broadcaster, who is personally responsible for at least some of the upturn in applicants for the Scouts. "Please join me."