Scouting for Adults (1)

Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact Scouting in the UK is a growing Movement and nationally we currently have 30,000 young people on our waiting lists.

This is where you come in.

We are looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers who can help us offer adventure and opportunities for more young people within your local communities and to join the adventure.

There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some of the reasons that existing volunteers have given:

“To give something back to the community”:

‘I believe the kids get such a lot out of it; I just put a bit back for

what the kids take out.’

“To support the Leaders”:

‘They give so much, you’ve got to give some of that back.’

“Because volunteering is a ‘good thing’”:

‘I just personally believe that you should always do some kind of voluntary work…otherwise nothing would get done in this world.’

“As an enabler, so the Leader can do more”:

‘If I can help Sam, our Leader, out by doing the little things, then it means she has got more time to give the kids and then they get more out of it.’

“To spend more quality time with my child”:

‘David used to go on his PlayStation2 while I read the paper after

school and work – now we get a chance to do activities together.’

“To develop your own skills”:

‘I hadn’t used a compass since I was a Scout. After I learned how

to use one again, I take one out on family walks. We get lost less

than we used to!’

“To enjoy and rediscover adventure for yourself”:

‘We had a water fight at Beavers the other week, it was great!’

· Volunteering as a Uniformed Leader to run a Section

· Volunteering as an Assistant Leader to support a Group or Section

· Volunteering as a member of a Group or District Executive to support and develop the organisation

Adults aged between 18-25 year-olds can also become members of the Scout Network

Adults over 25 can also become members of the Scout Fellowship

Whether you have several hours a week or you are looking for a one off volunteering project there are always opportunities for you to contribute to what we do and have fun doing it!

We have opportunities locally, ranging from Leader to treasurer, website designer to volunteer manager and we offer opportunities based on whatever time you can give and your skills and interests.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and do not necessarily have a previous background in Scouting. Trademen, managers, scientists, firemen, nurses and others use their life-skills, motivations and enthusiasm to deliver great Scouting to our young people here. Variety is the spice of life !

All volunteers are asked to undergo checks with the Criminal Records Bureau, assisted and paid for by The Scout Association. The process is very simple for applicants and the checks are carried out in order to ensure greater protection for the young people in our charge, as well as to afford greater protection to our volunteers and our organisation.

We hope you can see that Scouting doesn’t just offer opportunities for young people - Adults too get a great deal out of Scouting too.

The summaries below give some idea of the diverse opportunities for adults which include

organisation in the world working for peace.To give something back to the community: ‘I believe the kids get such a lot out of it; I just put a bit back for what the kids take out.’

· To support the Leaders: ‘They give so much, you’ve got to give some of that back.’

· Because volunteering is a ‘good thing’: ‘I just personally believe that you should always do some kind of voluntary work…otherwise nothing would get done in this world.’

· As an enabler, so the Leader can do more: ‘If I can help Sam, our Leader, out by doing the little things, then it means she has got more time to give the kids and then they get more out of it.’

· To spend more quality time with your child: ‘David used to go on his PlayStation2 while I read the paper after school and work – now we get a chance to do activities together.’

· To develop your own skills: ‘I hadn’t used a compass since I was a Scout. After I learned how to use one again, I take one out on family walks. We get lost less than we used to!’

To enjoy and rediscover adventure for yourself: ‘We had a water fight at Beavers the other week, it was great!’

You will have fun and enjoy the opportunity to meet other people. We will also offer you a wide range of personal development opportunities including externally recognised training and qualifications.

We offer a training and validation scheme that allows you to participate and develop in areas such as leadership, management, working with young people and practical skills. Again, this is based around your time commitments, your existing experience and skills, and your own personal development.

The contribution our volunteers make to their communities is also recognised outside The Scout Association.

Our partnerships with the Institute of Leadership and Management, the Open College Network and the

Take some time to find out a little more about the opportunities to take part in Scouting in our local area by clicking here.

Or alternatively, please contact our District Commissioner, Andy Baird, who will be happy to discuss how you could be part of it!

Institute of Training and Occupational Learning are all recognition of the quality and standard our volunteers achieve and maintain.

Employers increasingly value volunteering and many now actively encourage it to “put something back” into communities. Some employers even offer such things as volunteering days, matched funding and other support. And it can be quite an asset to be able to say that you are active in Scouting on your CV !!.