The power of volunteering!
Scouting simply would not exist without the enthusiasm of our adults. All our leaders and supporters are volunteers who truly believe in the value and impact that scouting has on the lives of young people and run their sections at maximum capacity. We are always looking for opportunities to enable our existing sections to take the maximum number of young people or to start new scouting provision but in order to do this we need support of adults to get involved.
Scouting is about everyday people working as leaders and supporters in their communities, giving young people confidence, a sense of purpose, life values and outdoor skills that are hard to find anywhere else – we call this ‘skills for life!’
With basic facilities and volunteer support, Scouting provides life-changing opportunities and adventure to both young people and adults. When someone talks to us about volunteering, we find a role that fits with their time and skills. If that means an hour a month, then we’ll work out how we can make the most of that. Most importantly, we’ll work hard to make that one hour enjoyable and meaningful for the volunteer too.
Adults in scouting are from all walks of life. From the Duchess of Cambridge or our Chief Scout, TV adventurer Bear Grylls to teachers, postal workers, shop assistants, nurses and stay at home mums and dads, there is no such thing as a typical volunteer. The one thing they share is the enjoyment of working together and helping young people reach their potential.
We encourage everyone (over 18), to lend a hand as and when they can. We also run a fantastic scheme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are interested in helping out, called the young leader scheme, and this is also a great way to complete the service part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Our commitment to safety and adventure
All our volunteers give their time freely to help young people enjoy scouting. All our leaders are interviewed locally and are asked to provide references. Everyone working with young people are required to undertake an enhanced Criminal Disclosure Check.
All our leaders and helpers attend specialist training which covers a wide range of topics including how to look after the young people in their care and how to plan activities and games. All adults also undertake courses in basic first aid and safeguarding and special training is provided for those taking young people away on residential events, such as camping and UK or overseas expeditions.
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