JOIN SCOUTING
Find the list of where the Scout Groups in Gordon District
If not sure, check out here
Scouting has much to offer and gives #skillsforlife to people of all ages. Whether it's as a uniformed leader, a role behind the scenes or a youth member, there are many options. The options that are available are:
- Beaver Scouts (aged 6 - 8)
- Cub Scouts (aged 8 - 10.5)
- Scouts (aged 10.5 - 14)
- Explorer Scouts (aged 14 - 18th birthday)
- Scout Network (aged 18 - 25)
- Adults (aged 18 or over)
For the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts there is a overlap period of around 3 months so are allowed to join slightly earlier.
Joining as an Adult
If you want to join Scouting as an adult, we would love it - and you will too. It really is great fun.
Volunteering with us is fun and flexible – how much time you give is completely up to you. Whether you help out once a week, 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. If it's 1 hour a week or 168, there's a role for you.
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.
You don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting. Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways.
Many of our helpers and leaders are parents of our youth members because they’ve seen firsthand how Scouting benefits young people and want to give something back. It’s also a chance to spend more time with your children and learn new skills. Speak to your child’s leader to discuss how you might become involved.
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.
As you would expect, there are some formalities that have to be done but, as mentioned above, firstly it is best that you ask your local Scout Group (find out where) who will be able to tell you what is available, either as a leader or more involved behind the scenes. If it's 1 hour a week or 168, there's a role for you.
Why not try it out and once you find you're enjoying it - which you will, then the forms can be filled in (must be able to satisfy a PVG check).
Some options are:
Section Leaders: They take responsibility for programmes and events leading the team and the quality of events. Training available, wears uniform.
Assistant Leader: Assists in the planning and delivery of programmes, assists with records & assessing badges, may act as leader-in-charge, training available, wears uniform.
Section Assistant: Assists with the delivery of the programme, supervises groups at events, inputs to planning and preparations depending on talents (like a “classroom assistant”), essential elements training, option to wear casual uniform.
Executive Committee Member / Trustees (Not involved in direct week night scouting programmes): They meet to manage our activities, to ensure we keep everyone safe, and manage the money. That means ensuring we meet the Office of Scottish Charities Commission (OSCR ) requirements and manage the mundane activities of licences or financial accounts, and building management. The Executive are also key to ensuring adequate funds are in place so we can offer regular Scouting activities and maintain our assets.
Active Support members: These team members are some of the “behind the scenes” people who have an interest to support us, but don’t get involved every week. Some are ex Scouters with a special skill, who might help at bigger events or at special events; others have a direct skill that can be used, like cycling, or climbing, or orienteering and those that offer practical skills are folk who volunteer their time providing painting, electrician work, grounds-man, solicitor, project manager, plumber, handyman.
Campsite Maintenance: Our campsite has ongoing maintenance requirements and there are monthly work parties to do this.
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As a Youth Member
If you want your child (or if this is you) to join check here for the nearest town or village that has a Scout Group. Each Group operates independently so will be able to tell you whether they can join immediately or be put on the waiting list. You can be on more than one waiting list. It is best to contact the local Group, however if you are unsure of the best option, email dc@gordondistrictscouts.org.uk and you will get assistance. Please provide the age of your child and your location.
Details of all the Scout Groups in Gordon District can be found by clicking the link below: