Are you ready to help us inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure?
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 achieve the aims of the Movement. Some are not even aware that they are doing this whilst others view this as their lifetimes challenge.
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. Our volunteers get involved on their terms and not all roles involve working with young people
So, If you can give a little time (or a lot) to help improve young lives in your community, we’d love to hear from you.
Some of the things where offering to help would share the load:
1. Volunteer as a Section Team member: Parents can become Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout team members, helping to organize activities, teach skills, and supervise meetings, activities and outings.
2. Transportation: Offering to lift and shift kit for events, or camping trips if needed can be a big help.
3. Fundraising: Parents can assist with fundraising efforts and grant applications to support the scout group’s activities and projects.
4. Sharing Skills: Parents can share expertise in various areas such as outdoor survival skills, crafting, photography, DIY, music, IT, or any other relevant skills that can enrich the scouting experience for the children.
5. Assisting with Camps and Events: Parents can help set up and take down tents, and clean up at meetings, events, and camps. They can also assist with organizing and coordinating special activities or guest speakers.
6. Catering: We have a small catering team but we welcome new helpers who want to be part of the camp experience but don’t necessarily want to be running activities or stay overnight. Even just being able to make a mug of tea or coffee when the chefs get on with other stuff is really helpful.
7. Communication: Parents can help with communication within the group by managing the group website or social media accounts.
8. Training Support: Specific training is required for leaders and some volunteers. We have to track that everyone who helps on a regular basis is in date for mandatory training, and anyone who joins to be a regular team member completes their induction. Someone could monitor this.
9. Monitoring badge achievement and ordering badges: We keep our badge records on Online Scout Manager, but when we want to buy them, someone has to order them for the badge shop. Parents could help with this simple administrative task.
None of this is particularly difficult, and it isn’t anyone’s “job”, but someone has to do it.