Scouts launch new clothing for muslim girls

31 Mar, Sky News

The Scout Association has launched a new clothing range for Muslim girls as they join the organisation in increasing numbers.

A "hoodie dress" and a T-shirt dress, both with long sleeves, are to be made available for activities including abseiling and climbing following requests from the Muslim community.

The knee-length outfits feature a graphic print inspired by Scout badges and activities. They were designed by Sarah Elenany, a 27-year-old British designer of Palestinian and Egyptian origin.

The Scout Association - founded in 1907 - said more than a third of all scouts worldwide now are Muslim, with an estimated 2,000 Muslim scouts in the UK.

There are around 40 active UK scout groups with a predominantly Muslim membership.

The UK chief scout, adventurer Bear Grylls, said: "With this new clothing range scouting is continuing to move with the times and adapt to the growing number of people from different communities who are choosing to be a part of the movement.

"Scouting has something to offer everyone, no matter your religion, ethnicity or belief, and I'm so proud that we offer an environment for people of all backgrounds to come together and enjoy themselves."

The hoodie dress will be available from today with the T-shirt dress due to be ready in time for the summer.

Both outfits are designed to be worn over trousers, jeans or leggings.

Chris Foster, spokesman for the Scout Association, said: "There are an awful lot of people out there who still think that scouts are just a Christian-based organisation, whereas it encompasses all different faiths. "It doesn't matter who you are, what you are or what colour your skin is or what faith you are."

The designs have been launched as the association's last census showed that for the first time, more girls than boys are joining the movement, with an 88% rise in female youth membership since 2005 to 66,576.