There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some that existing volunteers have given:
As parents, you automatically become a member of the Group Council once your son or daughter is invested into the Scout Group.
The Leaders and Committee give all of their time freely to do this and we are always looking to recruit new Leaders, Skills Instructors, Committee Members and Fundraising Committee so if you can spare some time, come and join us, it is hard work but very rewarding. All leaders and Skills Instructors are CRB and Police checked to ensure your children are coming to a safe environment. The Leaders undergo training for Scouting, social issues as well as First Response first aid training.
Adults in Scouting
Whether you are a Network Member, parent of a child in Scouting, or someone who is totally new to Scouting any help is always welcome.
One of the biggest myths about Scouting is that Groups are closing down due to a lack of young people wanting to become Members. Nothing could be further from the truth; Scouting in the UK is a growing Movement and we currently have 30,000 young people on our waiting lists simply because we do not have enough adults to help out.
Why help?
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 our Leaders out by doing the little things, then it means they have more time to give to 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!’
‘I wasn’t involved in Scouting until someone asked me and I jumped at the chance. Adventure isn’t just for young people or those of us already wearing neckerchiefs; it’s for everyone. There’s lots of talent among our 800,000 parents. Let’s bring some of that into Scouting. Just ask – that’s all it takes.’ Bear Grylls, Chief Scout
How you can help
There are many ways for you to help in Scouting in Sheet. The list below details some of the roles available:
Assistant Leader
Assistant Leaders support the Section Leader in delivering the Balanced Programme. This can mean anything from helping to plan and run games or activities, or helping to keep records up to date. The responsibilities of an Assistant Leader will depend on their own interests and on what they agree with the Leader.
Assistant Leaders are supported by Section Assistants, as well as by other Assistant Leaders.
Section Assistant
All our sections need helpers. Outdoor activities and nights away require a certain number of adults in relation to the number of young people. So by helping out whenever they can, section Assistants could be enabling an extra 6 (in the case of Beavers) or 12 (in the case of Scouts) young people to participate in Scouting.
More importantly, Section Assistants provide invaluable support to Leaders and Assistant Leaders. Regularly attending meetings to help with even the smallest of things means that the Leaders have more time to deliver the programme to young people.
Occasional Helper/Parent
Parents and family members are encouraged, where possible, to help out a section in some way. Some sections will organise rotas where support can be given once or twice a term by all the parents in the section. This should be used as an opportunity to get involved in what the young people are doing.
Adults who have a specific skill or interest can also choose to run a particular activity or event one evening a term. Such skills are invaluable to Scout Groups and can usually assist young people in gaining, or working towards, a particular badge.
Young Leader (14-18)
The Young Leaders’ Scheme is designed for those aged 14-18 who are primarily interested in helping out in one of the younger sections (Beavers, Cubs or Scouts).
Young Leaders will be members of the Explorer Scout section, which means that they can take part in all the activities and opportunities that Scouting in the Explorer Unit or District has to offer.
Executive Committee
This is the ideal role for adults who do not necessarily wish to work directly with young people, but who are committed to the purpose, aims and development of Scouting.
Chairman
The Chairman of a Committee will manage meetings and will work with the Group Scout Leader to ensure the Scout Group operates in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Association. Chairmen are responsible for members of the Committee, including the Treasurer and Secretary.
Treasurer
Treasurers assist the Chairman in the effective administration of the Scout Group by providing financial support. This could mean setting the annual budget or completing annual accounts. This role is ideal for someone who does not necessarily want to work directly with young people, but who is comfortable working with figures and budgets.
Secretary
Secretaries assist the Chairman in the effective administration of the Scout Group by providing sound administrative support. This could mean ensuring the completion of the annual census or maintaining records of members of the Group. This is the ideal role for someone who does not necessarily want to work directly with young people, but who is organised and enjoys administrative work.
Fundraiser
Fundraisers provide Scouting with necessary funds. They may be in charge of raising funds for a new headquarters, for new equipment or even to send a section or Group on an activity or camp. Fundraisers are responsible for organising the way in which money can be raised, be it through a sponsored walk, a lottery grant or public collections.
Sheet Scout Group has grown considerably in numbers in recent years – we now have around 150 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. This is all good news of course but all these extra children need more leaders and helpers to help run the sessions they so enjoy. We particularly require several leaders in the two Cub sections.
Please contact the GSL Team for more details about getting involved.
There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some that existing volunteers have given:
As parents, you automatically become a member of the Group Council once your son or daughter is invested into the Scout Group.
The Leaders and Committee give all of their time freely to do this and we are always looking to recruit new Leaders, Skills Instructors, Committee Members and Fundraising Committee so if you can spare some time, come and join us, it is hard work but very rewarding. All leaders and Skills Instructors are DBS and Police checked to ensure your children are coming to a safe environment. The Leaders undergo training for Scouting, social issues as well as First Response first aid training.