Use your skills as a volunteer

Volunteering opportunities are flexible and are designed to fit around the time you have available to volunteer.

"Every child has the right to adventure!" Not our words, but those of our lead volunteer, Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? Our volunteering opportunities are flexible and are designed to fit around the time you have available to volunteer. Think of something you’d like to do and chances are it’s just what we require. Our volunteers get involved on their terms and not all roles involve working with young people.

So, If you can give a little time (or a lot) to help improve young lives in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Why not take our four week volunteering challenge!

Fill in our simple enquiry form below and start your volunteering journey today.

Why choose scouting?

Every night of the week more than 50,000 young people attend scout meetings across the UK. Scouting is one of the great 'brands' of our age - familiar and trusted in households everywhere.

This is an incredible achievement for an organisation run by volunteers in their spare time.

Scouting has been able to adapt and change throughout its history so that it retains a relevance to the needs and aspirations of young people. It does this without losing sight of its core values, enshrined in the Scout law and Scout promise. Scouting's appeal also has a very real resonance with more than 100,000 adults who actively support scouting across the country.

By choosing Scouting, you will make a real difference to the lives of young people and make a huge impact in your community. You have the opportunity to try new things, develop your talents, and continue to explore your values and beliefs.

Scouting offers a high quality balanced programme of opportunities for young people and award winning training to our adult volunteers.

There's lots of reasons why its great to volunteer with Scouting, here's just a few of them..

A flexible way to volunteer...

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.

…Career prospects

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to test out potential career choices, helping you to find a job you enjoy. And the experiences you gain are invaluable when applying for jobs, proving both your interest in a particular career path and your success at it.

...Developing new skills

Volunteering improve your employability by developing your skills. By volunteering, you can learn how to communicate better with people and work as part of a team to achieve your goal. These are all things that help to make your CV look more interesting when applying for jobs By volunteering, you can also show employers that you have an interest in improving both your community and yourself beyond academic study. Employers are increasingly seeking 'well-rounded' individuals, i.e. people who can show more than just academic achievement. Volunteering helps you to develop skills and attributes you do not necessarily use in a classroom. These include planning, leadership, motivation and self-management.

…Give something back

Many people recognise that there are a wide range of community organisations helping young people, and indeed many people have benefited from their work. They understand that young people get a lot out of the activities provided by volunteers, and want to give something back to their community in the same way.

…Making friends

Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to simply have fun. Working with young people involves a variety of activities, and can be a chance for a volunteer to rediscover adventure for themselves, whilst making new friends and having fun.

...Building self confidence

Many volunteers encounter a variety of new challenges when they begin giving time in their communities. Sharing new experiences with new people, they can learn new skills that can give them confidence to face challenges in other areas of their lives.… It's a good thing volunteering gives you the chance to help other people to achieve their goals and succeed in what they want to do. Helping others in this way can lead to greater self-esteem and encourage you to face and overcome new and bigger challenges

VOLUNTEERING CASE STUDIES ....

Sharon Armfield, administrator and Assistant Scout Leader

'I was pretty nervous at the interview but once they asked me about Scouting, I had them hooked! I began to relax as I talked about the organisation, what I do in my roles and how I support others. Then I found myself writing down details of my Troop meetings so their children could join. Thirty five minutes later my phone rang and the job was mine! I cannot stress enough how important it is to include Scouting on CVs and applications. It’s a perfect icebreaker as well as showing all your skills.'

Wez Swain, circus tutor and Scout Leader

'It was thanks to Scouting that I got into outdoor adventure and found a job as an outdoor pursuits instructor. I travelled the world, teaching everything from climbing to mountain biking. These days, I balance volunteering at my local Group with my current full-time job as a circus tutor. That’s down to Scouting as well – I was asked to teach circus skills at a centenary camp in 2007 and my career evolved from there. There are so many amazing opportunities through Scouting.'

Lara Desroche, carer and Scout Leader

'I was a full-time mum returning to work and my experience in Scouting made a massive difference when I was job hunting. At an interview for a youth work job at a local council, I did a presentation on Scouting to show my experience running activities for young people and my knowledge of the local community. It won them over and they gave me the job. Scout leaders often don’t realise how relevant their skills are to the workplace.'

Andy Mann, environmental health officer and District Explorer Scout Commissioner

'Never hide your Scouting experience, always make it as prominent as you can on your CV or application form. It shows people that you’re a team player, work hard and care about the community. I talked about Scouting in all of my job interviews. Once when I was asked about Scouting, one of my interviewers said his son was working on his Queen’s Scout Award. I joked that I could give him tips. Two months later when I started the job, I did just that.'

Mike Preston, volunteering executive, Group Scout Leader and manager of Scout Active Support Unit FLAGS

'Scouting definitely helped me to get my current job at The Prince’s Trust. There were interview questions about communication skills, volunteer management and creating resources. Scouting gave me the answers! They told me I got the job because I was able to give so many examples of my experience. When you’re completing an application form, change your mindset and think of Scouting as a job not a hobby.'

Commonly Asked Questions

Why does Scouting need more help?

Across South London we have 96 Scout Groups but dispite this we have over 600 young people on waiting lists. This is because we simply can't meet the demand for membership. With more adults helping out this would take the burden off our current volunteers and allow more young people to experience the adventure of Scouting. More adults would mean more young people could join Scouting, Groups could be smaller or new Groups could open. We always welcome any help from adults.

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.

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.

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.

I don’t have a background in scouting, does this matter?

You don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting. No previous scouting experience is needed to get involved. Energy and enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for.

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.

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 Leader to discuss how you can get involved.

I will only be able to help out occasionally 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.

Will I get paid?

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 getting involved. 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.

Do I have to wear uniform?

No. Although scouting is a uniformed organisation, adults in scouting do not have to wear a uniform.

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. If you are aged between 14-18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader. More information about the Young Leaders’ Scheme.

What is the process for joining?

There is an application form to fill out which someone in your Group will be able to help you with. For some roles you will be required to meet a small group of people outside of the Group to discuss the role you wish to take on. References are also required for some roles. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Criminal Records Check is carried out on all volunteers.

Will I be insured?

Yes. All Members are covered under our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy.

I have moved into the area to attend university and would like to continue my scouting, is this possible?

Yes. The best way of doing this if you are 18-25 is by joining our Scout Network. The Network is part of local scouting and will be able to help you locate a Group close to your university. Alternatively, or if you are already a Member of the Network, you can contact us and we can then put you in contact with a local Group based on your interests.