We've all heard about the scout who repeats "Dib Dib Dib, Dob Dob Dob" over and over again and sits around the camp fire all day cooking marshmallows.

But this is all stereotypical. The scout movement has modernised and is now trying to revitalise its image with new and exciting ideas and activities to try and boost numbers.

If canoeing, sailing, camping, orienteering or hiking appeals to you then the scouts could be the thing for you.

There are three types of scout groups - sea scouts, air scouts and land based scouts, Each one specialising in one area.

If you are an amphibious creature than perhaps sea scouts is the group for you to join with canoeing and sailing on their menu of events.

Or perhaps you are interested in aviation; then one of the air scouts' air experience days could turn you into a budding young pilot.

Meanwhile as you would expect, scouts on land engage in a wide range of more land-locked activities, including rock climbing and outdoor pursuits.

Most scout groups meet once every week and offers a wide range of activities.

"I've made so many new friends at scouts, it's great !" says William Derrick, who has just joined Ajax Sea Scouts in Thames Ditton.

Mark Marriott, a leader at Ajax, says: "It's a great experience because they learn and have fun at the same time, that's what scouts is all about.

"The feeling of completing a task that has pushed you to the limit, it's so rewarding.

"We try and teach the scouts about working as a team together."

According to air scout co-ordinator David Barrel: "Scouting is such a broad area to talk about as there is so much that the scouts can actually do."

All activities are supervised by qualified instructors, who will teach you the skills required to enjoy the activity to the full.

Currently scouts are for boys only but this could soon be changed as the scouting movement tries to modernise by integrating girls.

Scouting is not like tennis or golf because it is a team game where everyone helps each other.

The activities at each scout hut are very different and not the usual football or rugby; they test you to the limit but are fun at the same time.

There are about 20,000 scouts in Surrey and 700,000 in the UK, which all boys between 11 and 16 are able to join.

Some groups also have venture scouts, which is a follow-on to scouts and runs from 16-20 years old.

Girls are allowed to join in as a joint, mixed unit. Venture scouts is at the moment the only time that girls can join the scouting movement.

Also many scout groups have very well known and respected bands that play at fairs and parades across the county. The bands are well run and practise regularly to keep their performances polished. New band members will be welcomed with open arms.

So if you would enjoy any of the activities that the scouts undertake then go along and see what it is like for yourself.

Don't be put off by what others say, just go and try it - if you don't like it you don't have to join.

All of the different types of scouts offer a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes so whether it's canoeing, flying or climbing you're interested in scouts will have something to offer you.