Eddie Ward, media development manager for Cumbria Scouts, argues that Scouting can make a huge difference to young people and their communities

I write this after reading stories unfolding from friends around the world who were taking part in the World Scout Jamboree in Japan. This brought together more than 35,000 young people from almost every country on earth, including young people from Cumbria, all coming together in peace and friendship.

I'm pleased to see that the spirit of unity that the organisers were hoping to achieve, and which the world very much needs, was in abundance in Kirara-Hama. That so many young people can come together from such diverse backgrounds to live and learn together, demonstrates the ability of Scouting to unite and encourage individual and collective action for positive social change.

Scouting has moved with the times to remain relevant to society some 108 years after it was created, but our core values remain the same. We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.

We have self-respect and respect for others. We support others and take care of the world in which we live. We explore our beliefs and attitudes. We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.

Here in the UK, I have been working with an inspirational group of Scouts from around the country, including a girl from Cumbria. They have spent the last 12 months developing and spearheading the Scout Association's Community Impact Strategy.

We decided that any Community Impact project should try to genuinely change the lives of others. Not just nice to do, but genuinely impacting on others. Substantially developing our young people; moving past litter picks to actions that are stretching and challenging. Being relevant to the community we are trying to help. All to be embedded in our programme for young people aged from six to 25.

The first project by the Community Impact Group is an extremely ambitious one known as 'A Million Hands'. We are aiming to mobilise half a million Scouts in support of four social issues chosen by our young people. From dementia to those disabled by society, from improving the mental wellbeing and resilience of our communities to ensuring everyone, everywhere has access to clean water and sanitation.

These are big issues of our time, but our young people want to tackle them head on.

Our aim is to build real and lasting relationships in communities that will enable young people to continue taking social action long into the future. We are marrying our Movement of over half a million people, reaching into every community across the UK, with the knowledge and expertise of partner organisations committed to social change (details can be seen at www.amillionhands.org.uk)

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Just imagine what we could achieve if more young people had the opportunity to be Scouts. To live out the values that define us. To undertake projects that can change lives. To have fun, adventure and a commitment to help others.

Let's take encouragement from the 23rd World Scout Jamboree and redouble our efforts to help as many young people to have the opportunity to enjoy Scouting. There are many out there who would join if only they could. Let us unlock that potential.

As adults in Scouting we get to have as much fun as the young people and get to develop and grow our skills. No matter how little time people have everyone has something to offer.

Worldwide, Scouting has an ambitious aim to grow from over 40 million today, to 60 million by 2017 and to 100 million by 2023.

As has been proven over recent weeks, if we dare to dream, anything is possible.