It is about 60 years since I last attended a Scouts Own - an informal religious service often held in the open air and as part of camp.

However, last week, I was invited as a guest to such a service at the chapel at Brighton Scout District campsite at Parkwood, near Poynings.

I was very impressed with what I saw, because the scouting - which was so much part of my early youth - is still alive and kicking and attractive to the youth of today.

The chapel, which is in a clearing in a wood, is being renovated. An old wooden boat has been sunk in the ground, bow pointing to the sky, as a focal point.

An archway entrance has been constructed, old seating removed and some up-stands for new seating built.

Soon a variety of "bare-rooted" tree whips will be planted, hopefully to grow a hedge around the chapel. These will initially be protected by chestnut fencing.

Then the altar needs major attention and, if finance is forthcoming, the ground will be levelled and a bed of pea-shingle gravel will be laid.

The site has already been opened up by removing overhanging branches and ditch clearing is in the process of being tackled.

In addition, as an aid to those using the chapel, a resource box of material is being assembled.

This will contain song sheets, prayers, readings and yarns. It is hoped to have the renovation work and resource box ready for next summer's camping season.

If you would like further information or to offer financial or practical help, give local scouting a boost by contacting David Hunt, 99 Coombe Vale, Saltdean, BN2 8HN (tel: 01273 303236).

From my own experience, I know scouting was one of the formative elements in my life.

Let's encourage the leaders and youngsters of this generation to enjoy and learn from the kind of life we had.

-Rev John Webster, Hove