Finding the space to put all of the equipment needed by almost 50 young Arrowtown scouts is an increasing headache for organisers.
Tracking down all the necessary equipment for next weekend's two-night camp on Rob Roy Glacier near Wanaka was the first challenge for group leader Gary Healey and leader Jane Lowe yesterday.
About half of the troop's camping equipment is stored in a small packing case in the Arrowtown Camping Ground.
"There is more stored at Moonlight Stables and all our garages are stacked with stuff," Mr Healey said.
"We do need some form of small storage shed."
However, he didn't want the matter to be a contentious issue in the community.
"That's not what Scouts are about."
The shed proposed for the Nairn St reserve, known as Wilcox Green, has been taken back to community consultation by the Queenstown Lakes District Council following objections from local residents.
But Mr Healey said he was open to any suggestions - especially ones that could be developed at a later stage into a full den for the thriving scout group.
Queenstown Scouts had a den built last year in Frankton, he said, and it would be better in the long term if Arrowtown's Scouts had a similar space.
Scout leader Jane Lowe said if the scouts, who met in the Arrowtown School Hall every week, had their own space it would be well used.
"They work on projects and they would come in and work on them most nights."
It would also give them the space to store tents and air them after camping trips.
"We would be able to really expand - definitely the range of activities for the kids and possibly also the numbers," Mr Healey said.
The Arrowtown troop is one of the more successful in the country, having maintained its numbers over the past 15 years, Mr Healey said.
In fact, with Arrowtown's burgeoning population they regularly have to turn away applicants due to the lack of scout leaders.
"We have 24 cubs at the moment and 22 scouts, a total of 46. If someone is already a scout [before they move into the area] then we have to take them . . . but it can place pressure on us," he said.
Anyone wishing to become a Scout leader can contact Gary Healey or Jane Lowe on 442 0064.
