Take the Four Week Challenge
Whilst we realise adult Scouting is not for everyone, you may never know if it’s for you until you give it a try. The four week challenge is your opportunity to try Scouting without any obligations.
Week 1 – Come along and see what we get up to
- Introduction you to all at the meeting, our members, leaders and other helpers
- Show you what we do and how we do it
- We will give you something to do – This will be a task which isn’t too big or complicated
- We will make contact with you after the first meeting, this might be at the end of the meeting or setting a time for a call.
Week 2 – Start helping out, get to know everyone
- Help you join in the fun – could you run a short activity or game? Oversee an activity table?
- At the end of the session, we will ask you to prepare an activity for next week – there are loads of great ideas on the activities page or they could use their unique skills to prepare something
- Remember: this may feel a little scary, so we will be supportive – you’ll probably need to help with the activity risk assessment (we all did!)
Week 3 – Get a little more involved, run an activity
By now, you should be feeling like you’re part of the team. Its time to get them involved in everything.
Week 4 – By now, you’ll know if Scouting is for you
By now, you will know if Scouts is for you or not:
- The section leader (or the Group Scout leadership team) will set time aside during or after the meeting to find out how you have found the challenge and whether they have any feedback
- They will ask you if they would be interested in helping again and how
- Most importantly, thank you for your time and effort, whatever the decision
The four weeks do not have to be consecutive and there is no obligation to stay, all we ask is that you give it a try.
If you decide to stay and become a role model at 3rd Newbury, here’s what you can expect…
Flexible Support
If Scouting is for you, Scout Flexible Support allows you to give some time to Scouting on a flexible basis. You still get to be involved with 3rd Newbury as a role model, without the commitment of being a uniformed leader.
Just let our leaders know when and how you can help, be enthusiastic, interact, inspire and enjoy your time encouraging our young people and assisting the leaders by delivering our exciting and integrated programme, of activities and events.
Training
At your convenience take part in some of our training sessions at local establishments and online. Essential sessions such as Getting Started and Safeguarding will provide you with a background and understanding of our mission, focus and priorities.
You can stop there, or choose to further your understanding of the movement and how to bring out the best in young people with a range of interactive sessions that will help you with your role at 3rd Newbury and elsewhere in your life.
Do I Need Experience?
There is no requirement to have been involved in Scouting before joining.
All that is required is a willingness to offer some of your time to support our volunteer leaders at 3rd Newbury. Be yourself, get to know the other adults, chat with the children, and pass on your life experience, skills, interests, and hobbies as a role model is all we ask.
Get Stuck In
Whatever your skill set, lend a hand for as little or as much time as you can spare, and we promise you’ll get more out than you put in.
Because whether you’re helping our leader to run an activity in our hall, organising a night away, or buttering 120 slices of bread for a group of very hungry eleven year olds – no two Scout meetings are the same. The difference you make, though, is always great.
”We provide the training, support & equipment. You show up, get stuck in, have fun, and help us make memories for life.“
Frequently asked questions
Please click here to view our FAQs about volunteering at 3rd Newbury
Disclosure Check
The safeguarding of young people in our care is very important.
The Scout Association has various processes in place to ensure that appropriate adults can take up volunteering opportunities; one element being the requirement of a disclosure check. If you decide to stay a disclosure check is mandatory.