Leading Young People
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!
Have any questions? Read our FAQ.
For further information contact: Jill May | dc@barking-dagenham-scouts.org.uk
Further Information
Fellowship
The Fellowship is a support group that offers help and advice to the rest of movement. Age is no restriction and neither is experience. All that is required is the will to help other people.
Leaders
A leader holds a special type of appointment. Leaders hold the main positions of responsibility within the movement and are required to supervise and lead in many areas. For instance only a 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 couple of 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!
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!
Helpers & Instructors
The movement also relies upon a myriad of non-warranted helpers and instructors. Perhaps an expert in photography may be called upon occasionally to help with the Cub 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 Confidential Inquiry form and may be asked to attend a basic training course.
Other Roles
The movement also relies upon a myriad of 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 & Safety issues etc.
How can 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 groups page to find the nearest group to where you live.
You can then contact the DC (District Commissioner) who will be able to answer any questions you may have and give you any details you may wish to know. Alternatively you could complete the join form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What checks are made for someone wanting to become a Leader or Helper?
A 'check' is made on every person who wishes to work or come into contact with the young people in our charge. This is a strict procedure carried out by the national Scout HQ, very much like a 'police check', except that the Scout Association procedure is actually more rigorous, it does not just pick up people with a criminal record but checks a database, maintained by HQ, which contains information from a wide variety of sources (e.g. local newspapers), this also includes seeking two local references. There is a 'yellow card' issued to all leaders entitled "Young People First".
How can adults join Scouting?
As an adult interested in the Scout Movement there are many ways that you can help. You can give as much or as little of your time as you choose. You can join Scouting in a number of ways - as a Scouter, a Helper, an Instructor, an Administrator, a Committee Member or a Supporter.
How much time will I have to spend?
There is no accurate answer to this other than to say 'as much time as you can afford to give' although there are certain expectations with each position. There is no requirement for giving all your spare time, helpers and leaders give the time they can afford, some even job share, some may only be able to give time for a few hours a month, others may spend the equivalent of several days a week on Scouting. All help is valuable and the fact that you cannot give much time should not be a deterrent. It is however true that most people,once they start helping, enjoy it so much that they find themselves giving more time than they originally thought they would.
How much will Scouting cost me?
Again there is no definitive answer to this question. Training is usually paid for by your group. Various items that you will use within your Scouting meetings will again be provided, but you may find that as your interest in Scouting develops you may end up building a personal collection of Scouting related items at your own expense.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Scouting is a uniformed organisation. Wearing the uniform is part of the ethos for young members and leaders. So, as a leader, you would be expected to wear a uniform for all formal events and meetings. Activities are usually carried out in clothes most suitable for the activity especially where safety is concerned. Helpers do not have to wear uniform although it is encouraged as it helps promote the togetherness of Scouting.
Do I have to have been a Scout to become a Leader?
No...you need not have any previous experience of Scouting. Of course previous experience of Scouting or working with young people will help you but it is not necessary. Training is provided for all leaders.
As a Scouter or Helper, do I have to have specialist skills?
Specialist skills are useful but not necessary. Everyone brings their own skills to Scouting which may not be as dramatic or specialist in nature as Mountain Climbing or Canoeing but nevertheless contributes to the weekly meeting. Enthusiasm and commitment are just as important!
Do I have to have to like camping?
Camping is an important part of of Scouting but not to everyone's taste. It is important that young people in Scouting have the opportunity to experience camping as part of the whole Scouting experience but usually there are sufficient people around to ensure these experiences can be provided. Camping does not automatically mean staying overnight in tents in remote fields and making your own 'facilities'. It can be at a purpose built centre in indoor accommodation, it may be taking Beavers on a day visit to a camp in progress, it may be taking part in a family camp where all members of the family are at camp for a weekend - there are many ways to experience camping and it is possible that you may end up liking camping.