Volunteer

Volunteering is rewarding and lots of fun! It offers the chance to make a real difference in your community while developing new skills and meeting people from all walks of life. Whether helping organise events, supporting young people to achieve their goals, or contributing to local projects, volunteers experience a sense of achievement and belonging. The friendships formed and the satisfaction gained from giving your time generously make volunteering a truly enriching experience. At Exeter District Scouts, we’re always grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers – together, we create memorable adventures and positive impacts that last a lifetime. Volunteering is rewarding and lots of fun! From a few hours a week or just a few a month you will see young people enjoy their Scouting time and this reward as better than pay as there is no financial reward.

Exeter District Scouts is proud to offer an award-winning training scheme designed to equip leaders and volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best possible experience for young people. Our training programmes are recognised for their quality, practical relevance, and commitment to personal development. All adults benefit from expert guidance, hands-on activities, and comprehensive resources, all tailored to the unique demands of scouting. Join us to develop your leadership abilities and support the next generation of Scouts with confidence and expertise. For volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouting as our young people.

Over 90% of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting are relevant to their working or personal lives. This strong endorsement highlights the positive impact of Scouting beyond its immediate activities. From leadership and teamwork to problem-solving and communication, the competencies developed within our movement equip volunteers with valuable attributes that benefit them both professionally and personally. These benefits reaffirm that the principles and programmes we deliver continue to be meaningful and effective in preparing individuals for a wide range of life challenges.

A study of volunteers found that more than two thirds of respondents reported a direct correlation between their volunteer experience within Scouting and gaining employment or career development. This highlights the significant role that volunteering in Scouting plays in enhancing skills, building confidence, and providing valuable experiences that are recognised by employers. The practical leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities developed through Scouting can give volunteers a competitive edge in the job market and contribute positively to their professional growth.

Training in Scouting has provided volunteers with valuable opportunities to gain recognised accreditation such as Open College Network awards in Youth Work. This not only enhances their professional development but also supports their progression towards becoming associate members of esteemed bodies like the Institute of Leadership and Management and the Institute for Training and Occupational Learning. These qualifications acknowledge the skills and commitment of volunteers, underpinning the high standards maintained within Exeter District Scouts.

What to do next….

If you are interested in becoming an adult involved in Scouting in Exeter, please complete the following form. Once submitted, it will be emailed to us directly, and we will be in touch with further information. Thank you for your interest in supporting young people through Scouting.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email address

Which Section are you volunteering for

Telephone number

What part of Exeter would you like to volunteer in?

Area of Exeter

The following information came from a Cub leader from Exeter District:

Yesterday morning I was sat on the floor at HQ with a team of 6 Cubs building a Police car out of recyclable rubbish at the scrape store challenge, we came 2nd. Then in the evening I was sat laughing, joking and having a nice meal with some of the other District Cub leaders. What a lovely day.

Looking back it all started 10 years ago when my son was in Cubs and I was helping take some tents down at the end of a weekend camp at Watcombe, not forgotten what I learnt as a girl Guide.The Akela approached me at the next meeting and asked if I would like to be an occasional helper as they are always on the look out for helpers and were impressed with my tent skill. So i started helping out each week and I enjoyed working with the Cubs supporting them with the various activities. When my son left Cubs, I was asked if I would like to stay on and complete my training to become an assistant Cub leader. I was really cuffed to be asked as it was great to be able to give something back to the organisation and children, especially as both my children had been through the Scouting and Guiding and got so much out of it. Also it was great fun. I completed my training over 2 years, although you can take up to 5 if needed, through attending courses, completing e learning, practical sessions and a lot of on the job learning. After the 2 years I was proud to get my wood beads and 10 years later I am now Akela myself.

Here is an example of some of the things I have had the opportunity to be involved, group, camps, district camps, shelter building, go ape, swamp walk, hikes, games in the park, no sleep sleepovers, St Georges parade, beach litter pick, badge work, fencing, archery, carol singing, crafts, cooking, visit to fire station and many, many more great activities and experiences.

It is really great to see the children making new friends, trying new activities, developing and growing in to confident young people and most of all having fun and the same can be said for me.

If you can spare an hour or two a week please complete the form and start your Scouting experience!

Claire