Volunteer
Our previous Chief Scout Bear Grylls says:
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.'
Do I really have the skills you need?
You don't have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting. Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways.
Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you!
What if I don't have that much spare time?
Volunteering with us is easy, fun and flexible - how much time you give is completely up to you. Whether you 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, and no matter how you get involved, we'll make sure you're properly trained and supported. Most of our volunteers have full-time jobs and help out on a flexible basis, around their other commitments. Simply let us know your availability and how much you would like to help.
What will I get out of volunteering?
As well as gaining externally recognised skills and having a brilliant time, Scouting also offers the chance to build on personal skills, like teamwork, confidence and leadership. A study found that over 90% of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have been of relevance to their working or personal lives.
Our adult volunteers get just as much fun from Scouting as young people. As well as helping young people to enjoy the adventure of Scouting, you also get the opportunity to try a whole range of different activities and new experiences.
We can also help you develop your current skills and learn new ones. Volunteering in Scouting can enhance your CV or simply allow you to pursue your interest in a specific hobby. You don't need to have previous experience in Scouting, just energy and enthusiasm. All of our adult volunteers receive full induction and ongoing training and support.
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 because they've seen firsthand how Scouting benefits young people and want to give something back. It's also a chance to spend more time with your children and learn new skills. Speak to your child's leader to discuss how you might become involved.
Are there any age restrictions on helping out?
As long as you're over 18, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers. If you are aged between 14 to 18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader.
Why Volunteer?
There are many reasons why adults choose to volunteer for Scouting. Here are some that existing volunteers have given:
• To give something back to the community: 'I believe the young people get such a lot out of it; I just put a bit back for what they 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 Sam, our Leader, out by doing the little things, then it means she has got more time to give the young people 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 map since I was a Scout. I started to use one again and we now take it out when we go Geocaching as a family. It’s great to help appreciate the landscape around us!'
Where can I Volunteer?
There are Scout Groups all over Hitchin District that require extra help. Take a look at the District map to see where we are.
View types of roles available >
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