All our Leaders and helpers are volunteers, taking their time to pass on their unique skill sets and enthusiasm to young people every week. Whether it’s setting up some games for Beavers, running a session on carpentry for Cubs, planning a hike for Scouts or managing the waiting list for the group there is something for everybody.

Volunteering is flexible around your own time and commitments. The myth that’s it’s a regular hour a week can be busted right here. Every bit of help is appreciated and rewarding and not everything requires wearing the uniform, there are many background roles too.

Do you work in HR and can help with recruitment ? Are you in Marketing and can help our online messaging ? Is Accounting your thing and can help with our accounts ?

Here are a few examples of the diverse roles people have in the group.

Mum of four, Jessica Moore has a child in each section of the St. John’s Group and recently completed a stint as a Beaver Leader. I caught up with her to find out a bit more about her Scouting journey.

Before you became a section leader, what was your involvement with the group ?

Before I signed up to be a Beaver Leader I was a constant admirer of the group, the activities and the confidence and enjoyment it gave my children. My husband had helped out at camps and events and I had been an occasional helper but had more little ones so didn’t feel like I had the capacity to help in a more formal way at that time.

What made you make the move to Beaver Leader and how long did you do it for ?

My daughter was very shy when she was little and didn’t really want to join activities and certainly didn’t want to be apart from me. When I saw her running around a parachute on her second session of Beavers and I watched as her confidence and involvement grew I always knew that I would take my turn to give something back to this incredible organisation.

A role came up to run the Beavers when my third child was about to join and knowing I could always take my little one along too it felt that the time was right.

I did two years as the section leader and left when my son moved up to Cubs.

What training did you get ?

The training was great. Most of it was online so I could do it in my own time. I felt that the skills I was learning were useful for life in general too. The first aid course was in person but again, such a valuable course to go on as a parent anyway.

Is it true it chews up all your spare time ?

Not at all ! It’s a team effort and everything is really spread around. We had a termly planning meeting which was always fun and a chance for a group to get together. Then there were people organising badges, someone else booking in outside help and venues, someone else buying things we needed – such a great group of people!

What skills in particular did you feel you brought to the team, and the colony ?

I loved running the sessions as I really enjoyed the involvement with the kids. You really get to know them. I also really like the education side of things and enjoyed the feeling that they would come away from a week with new knowledge and skills (and so did I!)

Why did you step down ?

Two years was a good length to see a cycle of Beavers through the section. My work commitments were increasing and Kate, the GSL, was very understanding. I am still ‘qualified’ and still help out occasionally when I can and it’s always fun to check in on the Beavers. The beauty of the group is that there are many hands that really do make light work but bring huge benefits to the young people.

What is your favourite Beaver activity ?

I loved going on walks with them, although the time always flew by and I wanted another hour!

What was you most memorable moment ?

My favourite session was definitely den building. Seeing the team work amongst the kids and what they could create and how proud they were a group. Although the wildlife spotting always had the adults in giggles as they would claim to have seen hedgehogs, badgers, owls and all sorts!

Lastly, what would you say to anybody considering donning a scarf and becoming a leader ?

Go for it! It’s such a friendly group and knowing that you’ve contributed to young people’s development locally feels very rewarding

It’s so flexible and there’s a great sense of community. With so many people taking on parts of the work it really can be as big or small as you want it.

All four of my kids are now in the various sections and my littlest is looking forward to his first camp and my shy girl is coming to the end of scouts and is unrecognisable as the kid who didn’t want to join in!

Local Dad and school Teacher, Henry Smith is an assistant Cubs Leader and here we discuss his voluntary work with us.

How long have you been involved with the Group ?

About 2 years now.

How did you get involved ?

I helped out at Beavers occasionally when my son joined. But with the early starts I found it difficult to get involved each week. The GSL suggested something that would work around my time better so I could still contribute to the colony and put me on the Beavers events team.

What did that involve ?

Due to Covid the Beavers had not been on a camp since 2019 so our task was simple – to build a weekend programme over the year culminating in a camp for Beavers. There was a whole team of us and we were able to split things up and plan things out in our own time and not be too rushed. The GSL would lead some of the meetings, check in regularly and offered some great tips, especially about using the systems and forms.

Was it a success ?

Absolutely ! Last summer we had 24 Beavers for a 2 day, 1 night camp at Adamswell. We did so many Scouty things like fire lighting, backwoods cooking, campfire (with singing), night hike, making bird feeds and so much more. All people want to do when they join scouting is to camp and it felt great that we put on that first experience for them. Most of them have now moved up to cubs which was great to see.

What do you do now ?

I now help out at Cubs, where my son is, and am present 2-3 times each month. The timing works out so much better for me, but I also want to give my son some of his own space, hence why I don’t go every week. I am given 2 or 3 evenings a term to plan and run the session and the rest I am there to assist the leader in charge.

How have your skills helped ?

During the day I am a Science teacher. I also love sports. So I have run two sessions on the science badge and another on the athletics badge. It’s great to pass on my specific skills and passions to the young people who are really receptive to the ideas all the leaders bring to our meetings.

What would you say to any parent considering becoming a leader?

Go for it ! You can put in as much or as little as what suits you and there’s something for everybody. Everyone is very understanding of time limitations and are grateful for whatever you can give.

Mum of two and Nurse, Karen Rose has a mixed role in the group. Here I see how her skills and timing fit in to her role.

How long have you been involved in the group ?

Since my eldest son was in Beavers, about 6 years ago.

Are you a section leader ?

No, but I have been a Sectional Assistant.  The regular weekly timing really doesn’t suit me and my work schedule. I am invested as a helper and wear my uniform when I can, just not each week.

So, what do you do ?

I wear many hats. I have helped run sessions in first aid for Beavers and Cubs. As a qualified first aider it’s so important to pass on this crucial life skill.

I help out on the Beavers events team and help prepare activities outside of the weekly sessions.

I help at camps, often putting up tents, to my Guiding taught standards… yes I started out in Guiding, but with parents in Scouting, it wasn’t long before I became a Venture Scout (now Explorers)

When I do drop in weekly, when work allows, I might run a game or activity.

Lastly I coordinate the ‘blues’ orders each term, which is our casual uniform clothing. My lounge becomes a mini warehouse for a week !

What do you like most abut the group ?

Friendliness… flexibility… non-cliquiness….

What would you say to any other parent thinking about volunteering with the group ?

Do it – it’s so rewarding. And there’s something for everyone regardless of your skills and availability. Your help can really make a difference to help our young people continue to have amazing experiences.

See yourself in a role ? Please do get in touch !