Welcome

Adults are the lynchpin of Scouting. All adults in Scouting are 'leaders' in the sense of 'leading the young people'. Without the adult 'leaders' Scouting would simply not exist.

If you wish to work with young people then consider becoming a Leader, Helper or Instructor.

If you are more of a back-room person then perhaps a role as an Administrator would suit you best or even a member of the Fellowship.

In short - you can do whatever you can do, however much or little that might be.

We have a place for you in Scouting!

Leaders

A leader holds a warrant. Warranted leaders hold the main positions of responsibility within the movement and are required to supervise and lead in many areas. For instance only a warranted leader with the appropriate certificate and skills may take their pack or troop to camp.

They are expected to make the Scout Promise, wear uniform and partake in a training scheme (which normally consists of a few weekends and must be completed within 5 years of gaining the warrant).

A common in-joke in Scouting is "It's only a few hours a week!". Don't listen to this...it's not. For a warranted leader in charge of a section it is more like seven hours a week...some weeks this may be a lot less but in some weeks this may increase. This time includes the odd Saturday afternoon or so as many district events are held at weekends.

However the rewards are enormous. The satisfaction you get when the young people achieve their goals is tremendous. You will make friends in Scouting that will last a lifetime and it brings a sense of well-being that can truly enhance your life.

Yes you put a lot in...but you get a lot out!

Section Assistants

The movement also relies upon non-warranted helpers and instructors. Perhaps an expert in photography may be called upon occasionally to help with the Cubs Photography Badge. Perhaps a parent or two may help out every week at the troop night.

In some cases they are Assistant Leaders in all but name, in other cases they may only help with a specific task such as collecting the subscriptions. The level of commitment is flexible and varied. Many adults will start out as a Helper...it is a great way to 'learn the ropes' and to see if you like Scouting.

A Skills Instructor is a person with specific skills that they can pass on. Examples include 'experts' in First Aid, Mountaineering and Canoeing. Don't think that you have to be some sort of 'outdoor superperson' to be an Instructor. Skills are needed across the board, from cooking to canoeing, mechanics to mountaineering and book reading to bobsleighing. Everyone has a skill that can benefit the members of Scouting.

Of course any person wishing to work with our young people must complete a CRB (Criminal Records) form and will be asked to attend a basic training course.

Other Roles

The movement also relies upon other people to help support the young people and adults.

For those not wishing to work directly with young people, a role on the Group Executive may be just right. Helping with the administration of the Group and the organisation of events is a vital role in every Scout Group All parents in the Group and all supporters are members of the Group Scout Council and are eligible to join the Group Executive. However, it's not all boring meetings since members get actively involved in fundraising activities, helping to maintain the Group HQ, look after the Group minibus and so on.

District Administrators do a similar job, but at District level, supporting the activities of all the Groups in the District. Duties can be very varied - sitting on committees, organising training sessions for Leaders, working at the District campsite, advising on Health and Safety issues etc.

How do I join?

Adult help is always welcome in Scouting. The movement simply could not survive without the enthusiasm and commitment of the adults. Take a look at the FAQ and start to think about what you contribute to Scouting and what Scouting can do for you.

You could also take a look at the Directory page to find the nearest Group to where you live.

You can then contact info to answer any questions you may have and give you any details you may wish to know.