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What does a volunteer in scouting look like?

Akela

The definition of a volunteer is someone that ‘gives their time freely for the benefit of others’. The Scout Association is an organisation made up of volunteers who give freely of their time because they are committed to the aims and principles of the Movement and enjoy working with and helping to develop young people in our informal educational context.

Scouting is made up of many different types of volunteers some are members, some are supporters and others are parents or young people wanting to do something to help us provide great programmes.

Our volunteers come 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.

Across South London we have over 1,200 adult volunteers, but with the ever increasing numbers of young people who want to get involved in scouting, we need more.

With basic facilities and volunteer support, we provide life-changing opportunities and adventure to both young people and adults. Part of scouting’s modern appeal to adults is our approach to flexible volunteering, it’s great when people can make a regular commitment to help to provide weekly scouting to young people, but we know it’s not always possible. People nowadays have busy, often unpredictable lives – meaning that they can’t commit set hours, on set days.

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.

Over the last few years it has been our mission to make it easier for adults to give as much or as little as they are able. It is how we change our society: many people doing a little bit.’

Adults in scouting support the movement in the following ways:

  • Running activities for young people

  • Managing a team of volunteers 

  • Providing support and expertise

  • Helping to coordinate the administration and 'business side' of local scouting

  • Help provide flexible active support

Click here to find out more about these different roles...

Volunteering is easy and doesn't mean making a regular commitment

 

Volunteer today - find your perfect role