Scouting in the District is run completely by volunteers to ensure that young people can enjoy as much fun and adventure as possible. However we still have many young people on waiting lists who want to join Scouting, but can’t because we don’t have enough volunteers to allow all the extra young people to join.
Volunteering in scouting is a rewarding experience that offers a blend of adventure, education, and community service. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to mentor young scouts, helping them develop crucial life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. Scouting volunteers often form lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and families, creating a supportive and engaged community. The backdrop of outdoor activities, from camping to hiking, enriches the experience, making it not only educational but also exhilarating and fun. This involvement not only positively impacts the lives of the young participants but also brings personal growth and satisfaction to the volunteers themselves.
We don’t just need people to volunteer to help run weekly meetings. There are also plenty of support roles working behind the scenes. You could help with maintenance, assist with finances or record keeping, help with a badge of specific activity or provide training support.
When you volunteer with us, you can give as much or as little time as you want, whether that’s committing an hour or two to a weekly meeting, undertaking administration at home at a time which suits you, or attending on an occasional basis as time commitments allow.
Benefits of volunteering:
Building Strong Connections:
Develop deep relationships with fellow volunteers and families, fostering a sense of community.
Network with professionals and community leaders who also participate in scouting.
Enhancing Communication Skills:
Improve your ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, including young scouts and their parents.
Gain experience in public speaking and leadership briefings during scout meetings and events.
Leadership Development:
Take on leadership roles within the scouting community, enhancing your ability to manage teams and projects.
Learn to motivate and inspire young individuals, a skill that is highly transferable to any managerial role.
Problem-Solving Skills:
Encounter a variety of challenging situations that require innovative and effective solutions.
Develop critical thinking skills that are applicable in both personal and professional contexts.
Organisational Skills:
Manage logistics for events and activities, improving your planning and organisational abilities.
Learn to prioritise tasks and manage time efficiently, valuable skills in any job.
Boosting Your Resume:
Volunteering is viewed positively by employers and can enhance your resume by demonstrating commitment, leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively.
Gain specific skills and experiences that can make you a more attractive job candidate.
Training Opportunities:
Participate in formal training programs on topics such as first aid, survival skills, and child safety.
Acquire certifications that can enhance both your scouting role and your professional qualifications.
Personal Fulfilment and Growth:
Experience the satisfaction of contributing to the growth and development of young people.
Enjoy the mental and physical benefits of outdoor activities.
Cultural Competence:
Interact with families from diverse backgrounds, enhancing your cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Learn to navigate and respect various cultural perspectives, a crucial skill in today’s globalised workplace.
Adaptability and Flexibility:
Learn to adapt quickly to changing conditions and unexpected challenges, particularly during outdoor activities and events.
Enhance your ability to remain flexible and composed under pressure.
There is a whole range of different volunteering opportunities available to you through Scouting. For example:
Leaders to work with young people at weekly meetings
Managers to lead and support teams of adults to deliver Scouting
Trustees to make sure property and resources are properly administered
Instructors to run a huge range of adventurous activities
Media and communications people to promote Scouting and improve our communication
Administrators to maintain finances, records and ensure policies and procedures are followed correctly
Training Managers to co-ordinate our comprehensive adult training programme
Volunteering in scouting also provides a wide range of activities both volunteers and scouts. Here are some of the key activities you could take part in:
Camping and Hiking: Participate in outdoor adventures where scouts learn survival skills, environmental stewardship, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Community Service Projects: Engage in various service projects that benefit the local community, such as park cleanups, food drives, and assisting in community centres, which teach scouts the value of civic responsibility.
Crafts and Skills Workshops: Lead and organise workshops that teach scouts various skills, from basic carpentry and knot tying to more advanced crafts like woodworking or electronics.
Adventure Sports: Participate in or facilitate adventure sports like rock climbing, kayaking, or canoeing, providing fun, challenge, and physical fitness.
Scouting Jamborees: Attend local, national, or even international gatherings where scouts meet to exchange ideas, participate in activities, and build a sense of global community.
Leadership Training Programs: Help organise or lead training sessions that focus on developing leadership skills among older scouts, preparing them for roles within and outside of scouting.
Environmental Conservation Efforts: Get involved in or lead conservation efforts, teaching scouts about sustainable practices and the importance of protecting the environment.
Historical Trips and Cultural Excursions: Organise visits to historical sites, museums, or cultural events, enhancing the educational aspect of scouting by providing real-world learning opportunities.
Safety and First Aid Training: Conduct safety and first aid training sessions to ensure scouts and volunteers are prepared for emergencies, fostering a safe scouting environment.
We would be delighted to hear from you! Either e-mail recruitment@pbscouts.org.uk or fill in the contact form below:
