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Adults helping with Scouting
Whether you are a Network Member, parent of a child in Scouting, or someone who is totally new to Scouting you've come to the right place.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?
There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some of the reasons:
- To give something back to the community:
- To support the Leaders:
- Because volunteering is a 'good thing':
- As an enabler, so the Leader can do more:
- To spend more quality time with your child:
- To develop your own skills:
- To enjoy and rediscover adventure for yourself:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help with Scouting?
There are many ways in which you can give your time to help Scouting whatever your gender, age, abilities and skills. Simply let us know your availability and how you would like to help and we will match this to roles within your local area.
I don't have a background in Scouting, does this matter?
No previous Scouting experience is needed. Energy and enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for.
My child is in Scouting, is there anything I could do to help?
The short answer is yes. Many of our helpers and Leaders are parents of our youth Members. This is for a number of reasons including being able to see first hand how Scouting benefits young people and wanting to give something back, being able to spend more time with their child and realising that volunteering for Scouting is enjoyable and teaches them new skills. Speak to your child's Section Leader to discuss how you might become involved.
I will only be able to help out on a flexible basis is this ok?
Yes. There are many different ways to help in Scouting and many of these can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you can help out once a fortnight, month or term or just at special events or camps, there is bound to be a role you can play. Learn more.
Will I get paid?
Unfortunately, as a voluntary organisation we are unable to pay volunteers for the time they give to Scouting. Out of pocket expenses are paid and many Leaders are offered opportunities to take part in activities and social activities.
What are the benefits of helping out?
There are a number of benefits you can gain from volunteering. Spending time with your child, learning new skills and contributing to your community are just a few of the reasons why our current Leaders choose to spend some of their spare time in Scouting.
I don't have a specific skill but am keen to help out, what can I do?
Everyone will have a skill, attribute or ability that they can pass on to our young people. One of the best things about volunteering however, is the chance to learn new skills you may not have been able to otherwise.
Are there any age restrictions on helping out?
As long as you are over 18 years of age, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers.
Will I be insured?
Yes. All Members are covered under our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy.
What type of role would you like?
Leader
Every section (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network) has a Leader. The Leader has overall responsibility for the running of the section. This means planning and delivering the Balanced Programme with the help of Assistant Leaders and section Assistants.
Leaders are responsible for the young people in the section and for any adults helping to deliver the Programme.
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 Leader
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 collect subs (fees) or to make refreshments 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.
Chairman
The Chairman of a Committee will manage meetings and will work with the relevant Commissioner or Group Scout Leader to ensure the Scout County/Area, District or Group operates in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Association.
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.
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 County/Area, District or 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 County/Area, District or Group by providing sound administrative support. This could mean ensuring the completion of the annual census or maintaining records of members of the County/Area, District or 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.
Group Scout Leader
The Group Scout Leader (GSL) ensures the effective operation of the Scout Group. The Scout Group consists of the three younger sections – Beavers (aged 6–8), Cubs (aged 8–10½) and Scouts (aged 10½–14).
The Group Scout Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Group has a team of 'fit and proper' adults who are well inducted and supported, and that a Balanced Programme is being delivered to all young people in the Group.
A Group Scout Leader is responsible for all Leaders and Assistant Leaders in the Scout Group. This means that it is the ideal role for someone who is interested in working with both adults and young people.
How to volunteer
Across Birmingham we are looking for adults to volunteer with young people, or behind the scenes to enable young people to continue having fun.
Whatever your hobby or interests, whatever time you are able to commit we will have a role to suit you. All adult roles start at 18 years old with no upper age limit. However if you are under 18, you can still join in the fun and gain responsibility by becoming a Young Leader.
To start your Scouting experience you can either email recruitment@birminghamscouts.org.uk or leave a message on 0121 359 7959. Please include the following information in your email:
– Name
– Address
– Phone Number
– Preferred contact time
– Date of Birth
– and a little bit about yourself!
We will contact you to arrange a convenient time for an informal chat either face to face or over the phone to find out your own interests and availability. You will need to complete an application form which doubles as a Criminal Records Check (Police Check). There will be no charge for your CRB form, but you will need to provide proof of address and 2–4 pieces of official documentation, (passport, birth certificate etc). We will then invite you to start your training and put you in touch with your local group where you will start to volunteer once we've received your CRB form back.
We would normally try to find you a volunteer role within a reasonable distance of your address, however if you would like something in a different location (e.g. near work) then please let us know accordingly.
Thank you for expressing an interest in volunteering with the Scout Association in Birmingham.
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