Volunteer with us

Volunteering with Scouting is easier than you think..!

Scouting is about everyday people working as leaders and supporters in Scout Groups in their communities, giving young people confidence, a sense of purpose, life values and outdoor skills that are hard to find anywhere else – we call this everyday adventure!

Part of Scouting’s modern appeal to adults is our approach to flexible volunteering, it’s great when people can make a regular commitment to help to provide weekly scouting to young people but we know it’s not always possible. People nowadays have busy, often unpredictable lives – meaning that they can’t commit set hours, on set days.

All our volunteering opportunities are based on a flexible volunteering model, meaning that if you are unable to make the meeting its fine, we don’t expect everyone to be available every week. Scouting is still scouting, whether you’re involved once a week, once or twice a month, every six weeks or even once a year; and whether you are in the thick of activities with a group of young people or working behind the scenes in a management, trustee or support role. Everyone has something to offer as far as supporting Scouting is concerned, whatever your age or ability, and there are lots of ways to get involved.

Through the adventure of Scouting, young people get to take controlled risks in a safe environment, and have one of their first tastes of responsibility. We aim to give young people experiences they’ll never forget. You don’t have to have any previous experience, or any specialist knowledge, just a passion to see children develop into confident young people. If you’re interested come and let us know.

The Scout Associations award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouts as young people. Our approach focuses on what you want to get out of volunteering with Scouting, while respecting how much time you can offer. Over 90% of Scout volunteers say that their skills and experiences have been useful in their work or personal life.

How much time you give is up to you, and you don’t need any previous experience. Scouting have a huge variety of roles to suit everyone, and whatever role you choose, we’ll make sure you’re properly trained and supported.

Join in the Fun and Adventure, you never know, like us you might even enjoy yourselves!

If you would like to join the team and enjoy the fun, friendship and adventure of Scouting, we would really welcome your support. You can work directly with young people or in a behind the scenes role as a team or individual. Prior experience or a connection with Scouting is not necessary and we welcome people from different backgrounds. Remember, you can decide how much or little time you give to Scouting.

Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme

ESYLs are Explorer Scouts who volunteer alongside adult leaders in a Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop. A valuable asset to any leadership team, ESYLs play an active role in the section, bringing a range of fresh ideas to the table, and acting as positive role models for the young people they work alongside.

Although the Scheme is usually taken on by Explorer Scouts looking for a new challenge, young people from outside Scouting can also participate if they are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards or Queen’s Guide Award. They can do this by volunteering as non-members for a set period of time ie for three to six months if completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze).

The ESYLs’ Scheme is the training programme for ESYLs. It contains 11 modules and four missions for ESYLs to work through whilst volunteering in their chosen section. Modules give ESYLs the skills and knowledge to be successful in their role, while missions allow them to put everything into practice with support. As well as developing valuable life skills, the Scheme is an opportunity for ESYLs to make a positive impact in their communities and to fulfil the service elements of many of the top awards in Scouting. Recognition of achievement is available along the way, and on completion of the Scheme, the ESYL is awarded with an ESYL belt buckle.