Scout Leaders are responsible for helping to devise and deliver programs that support young people in reaching their potential. Not only do Leaders help youth members develop valuable skills in an environment of responsible risk-taking, but they themselves develop a variety of skills in leadership, project management and event planning. No prior experience is necessary to become a Scout Leader. All Leaders undergo training on all aspects of youth leadership, program planning, safety and other requirements. They are also given resources of program ideas to help them get started.

Reasons to volunteer with Scouts – Why volunteer with Scouts?

Adults in Scouting Roles

Scouting offers adults a host of rewarding opportunities to help make a difference in young people’s lives.

You’re never too old to join the adventurous life of Scouting, even if you haven’t been involved before. There are endless opportunities for all adults over 18 who step up into roles as Scout Leaders. Many of the 20,000 Adult Leaders in Australia are parents of members, but many are just energetic people who thrive in a positive, supportive atmosphere and enjoy helping young people be the best they can.

The personal satisfaction of helping young people to achieve their goals is immense, and your sense of personal achievement when you help them through a hurdle is nearly as strong as theirs!

Where else can you take part in abseiling, rock climbing, scuba diving, and countless other adventurous activities with wonderful company and low costs?

Scouting Leaders have incredible travel opportunities, interstate and overseas, to share discoveries with youth members.

And you’re never alone, with thousands of fellow Leaders to turn to in a giant, supportive network of friends.

Roles in Scouting

Scouting caters for all people so there are a range of positions available.

There are (2) categories of Volunteer roles for Adults over the age of 18.

1. Adult Leaders: adults appointed as members to a uniformed leadership role in the education of young people.

Types of Adult Leaders:
Leader roles vary through the Sections, as youth members take more responsibility for their activities as they progress in age. Leader roles include:

• Group Leaders – responsible for leading and promoting the Scout Group in the local community and ensuring it operates in accordance with the Policies and Rules and administrative practices of the Association.
• Section Leaders (Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer Scout) – responsible for the planning and running of exciting, challenging weekly and weekend programs which attract new members to their Section and retain existing ones, attending and running weekly Group meetings during school terms, attending group activities (e.g. hikes or camping trips), attending monthly Leaders meeting, supervising and providing instruction, assistance and testing of youth members in skills appropriate to the program of the section especially in topics and skills of the Award Scheme
• Assistant Section Leaders – take part in the planning and participate in the running of exciting, challenging weekly and weekend programs which attract new and retain existing members.
• All Leaders who have an interest in adventurous activities such as abseiling or water activities have the opportunity to build on their initial training, to become an activity Leader. Activity Leaders are responsible for delivering activities, training and support around their specific activity to facilitate a more adventurous Scouting program.

Leader Training:

Training and development of adult volunteers is compulsory to ensure that our Leaders have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead young people and other adults. While Leaders don’t need any prerequisite skills or knowledge prior to joining, they must be prepared to undertake our Leader Training.

As in most National Scout Organisations, Scouts Australia operates a Wood Badge Training Program as a system for the training and development of all its Adult Leaders. We also operate the Scouts Australia Institute of Training, a registered training organisation, which offers a wide variety of courses in Leadership, Business, Management and Outdoor Recreation. Through this scheme, your Scouting qualifications can be externally accredited, so they are relevant and recognised in the professional world.

2. Adult Supporters: adults appointed as members to assist in the delivery of the Youth Progam on a regular basis.

There are plenty of flexible ways adults can get involved with or contribute to their local Scout Group without making the time commitment required for a uniformed Leader role.

Adult Supporters are individuals who attend Scout meetings and activities regularly to assist with tasks and help to “free up” Leaders so they can focus on planning and running activities and providing youth members with the best Scouting experience.

Adult Supporters get involved in all kinds of ways, both big and small. From assisting with activities to helping out at a Bunnings sausage sizzle or helping on camps to rolling up their sleeves for Hall set ups, Adult Supporters have many opportunities to join in the fun of Scouting — and make a real, positive impact on young people.

Here are some ways Adult Supporters lend a helping hand:

• Assisting with the youth members on meeting nights, camps and activities.
• Volunteering for duties such as Hall set up or clean up
• Completing DIY jobs or gardening at the Scout Hall
• Supporting Group fundraising efforts
• Crunching numbers after fundraising activities
• Assisting with activities in a Scout Group such as Group camp or excursion, food preparation and offering their unique talents and skills for a Group theme night
• Doing research on Grants
• Supporting with Group communications
• Putting their skills to good use!

The number one priority for Scouts Australia is Child Safe Scouting.

★ All Adults Volunteers ( Leaders and Supporters) are thoroughly screened, undergo the relevant State checks, and must hold a valid, verified Working with Children check (Blue Card).
★ Adult Leaders receive comprehensive, ongoing training across a range of subjects including leadership, WHS, and child protection.
★ Adult Supporters undertake two online training modules to ensure the safety of our youth members.