Volunteer Opportunities

As with all Scouting activities, ScotJam operates under the provisions of The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) and the Scottish Variations thereof.

By volunteering at ScotJam, you are agreeing to take on a range of responsibilities, and at the same time have a real opportunity to have a great time.  You are also agreeing to follow and adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

• Wear your ScotJam neckie at all times, unless required to remove it for safety reasons.

• Follow the Scout Promise, Law and Fundamental Values at all times.

• Be tolerant, respectful and understanding of others.

• Turn up for your duties on time.  

• Respect other people’s property - if you didn’t bring it or buy it, then leave it alone.

• Smoking is permitted only in marked areas.

• The possession, use or supply of illegal substances is expressly forbidden.

• Please use the bins provided and make a special effort to keep Lochgoilhead clean and tidy.

• Gambling is not allowed.

• Please respect and follow all signs and instructions - ‘out of bounds’ or restricted access areas have been designated for a reason.

• The UK Scout Association has a Child Protection Policy , Safety Policy and guidelines on "Scouting and Alcohol" and the "Scouting and Alcohol - Green Card".  All persons present at ScotJam must familiarise themselves with the content and abide by these rules whilst on the site.

• All Volunteers must follow direction from the Event Leadership Team & Scout Adventures Staff.  

As a volunteer, you have a responsibility for the safety and supervision of young people.  At the Adult Volunteer Team Weekend, there will be presentations and training given, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the policies and procedures relevant to the work you undertake at ScotJam - if you are not sure, please ask the Event Lead.

You will be part of a team who will be relying on you to play your part and you will be called upon to do additional tasks outside your main area of responsibility.  Everyone works hard at ScotJam, and some teams come under considerable pressure at certain times.  If you are asked to help, please do so.

Safeguarding of Adults and Young People

As Adult Volunteers in Scouting, we all have responsibility for Child Protection.  

The Scouts ‘Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults’ (The Yellow Card) states that everyone has a duty to report all safeguarding concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.  

A safeguarding concern could be about:

• A breach of the Yellow Card or Green Card

• Police of statutory agency involvement regarding a member

• A welfare concern

• Suspicions that a child could be at risk of harm.  

If reporting a concern to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team, please make the Event Lead aware of your report.  If the report is about the Event Lead, then please make the Scout Adventures Lochgoilhead Centre Manager aware.  

The Scout Association's 'Young People First' (The Yellow Card) code of good practice must be adhered to during ScotJam.  All adults have a responsibility to ensure that young people are protected from harm.  It is the responsibility of each adult to ensure that:

• your behaviour is always appropriate.

• you observe the rules established for the safety and security of young people.

• you follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse.

• you recognise the position of trust you have been placed in.

• in every respect, the relationship you form with young people in your care is appropriate.

• the welfare of all young people is safeguarded.

• you avoid compromising situations or opportunities for misunderstanding or allegations.

The code of practice is there to protect both Young People and Adults so they can all experience the adventure and excitement of ScotJam in the most positive way possible.

When considering this code of practice against others, please be aware and sensitive to the fact that many of the volunteer staff have their child attending as a participant.

It's important to remember that everyone involved in our volunteer team needs to be safeguarded, including our Young Leaders.  This applies regardless of their age, appearance, or leadership role.  Young Leaders are still young people, and their safety and well-being are just as crucial as anyone else's.

Alcohol and Scouting

In keeping with Scout Adventure Lochgoilheads’s policy, no alcohol is permitted on site when Young People are present.  

POR rule 2.4d states “Adults must not consume alcohol when they are directly responsible for young people on a Scouting activity”.  In addition to this, any Adult who does consume alcohol whilst not ‘on duty’ and not ‘on-site’ must not interact with the participants.

There is no place for any alcohol consumption at ScotJam.  Any inability to effectively perform duties or exercise proper judgement due to alcohol consumption is a serious matter and the leadership team will take appropriate action.