Opportunities to complete the service element of Scout Top Awards and the DofE Gold Award

The South London Scout Centre has indoor accommodation, meeting facilities and camping areas and is open all year round. The site is around 5 acres and has two large fields and three buildings

Our visitors are mostly scouts, guides and other youth organisations who camp at the weekend, and during the season April to September. We also have lots of day users, including local schools and community groups and lots of international visits that are often with us for week-long visits.

The Scout London Scout Centre offers young people working towards their Scout Top Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award the opportunity to complete the residential section at the centre. You will spend 4 nights & 5 days assisting in a range of duties and roles.

Placement Start / Finish

Start Date: Various Dates Each Year – Subject to availability

Length Residential

The length of your stay will be – 4 Nights – 5 Days

Please be aware that almost all our Gold Residentials take place during School Term time, with most taking place during May-July. Very limited other opportunities can be offered in April and September, again these will be during the term time.

What’s involved…

Whilst on our team you will stay on site and will help with the running of the centre. This could involve general maintenance, groundswork, cleaning and tidying and supporting visitors.

If you are lucky enough to be here during one of our big events or during the summer season, days can be very busy and long, starting early in the morning and continuing into the evening.

Where will you be staying…

We have dormitory style indoor accommodation (or you can choose to camp). All the rooms are fully segregated, male and female & over 18 and under 18. We have strict segregation rules which will be explained to you in detail once your placement is confirmed.

You will be using our crew kitchen and lounge area as recreational space, and you will definitely be involved in cooking your own meals. Don’t panic if you can’t cook, there will be loads of other volunteers there with you.

Wifi access is available on site and free for volunteers to use.

Transport Links…

Sydenham Hill training station is within walking distance. There is a regular services that takes 15 minutes to go directly into London Victoria Station. There is also good general bus links.

What should you bring…

Suitable outdoor clothing: You could be outside in all weather conditions – So don’t bring anything too precious as clothing can get dirty or damaged.  Bring your warm jacket and sturdy waterproof boots (that you are happy to get muddy!) 


How to apply 

It’s great if you can apply as a group of 3 or 4 people as its easier for us to provide opportunities to small groups. So please talk to others in your Explorer Scout Unit, Scout Network or DofE group about getting involved.

It’s simple to get involved! please email our centre warden at slsc@southlondonscouts.org.uk, we will then send you more details by email.

If you are over 18 you will need to complete the DBS process. If you are under 18 we will need your parent’s/guardian’s permission. Once we have all the information, your application will be processed and we will discuss available dates with you.