Volunteering

Scouting is inclusive

Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of background, race or religion. 

Scouting is a growing movement and there are currently around 500,000 people involved throughout the country, of which 80,000 are adult volunteers.  There are several different ways you can volunteer as an adult within the Group: as a leader or assistant, taking part in meetings which young people attend; as the Group Scout Leader (GSL) or an Assistant GSL, managing and supporting the Scout Group and its Leaders to ensure it runs effectively and that Scouting within the Group develops in accordance with the rules and policies of The Scout Association; as a part of our Scout Active Support team, providing fundraising support and helping out at events; or on our Board of Trustees, as a part of the team which oversees the smooth running of the Group.

If you'd be interested in helping out and either know what you want to do or just need a bit more information please fill in our online form (https://forms.gle/PccbvVoagTs1cnst8) or contact us at kenningtonscouts@gmail.com, and we will try and get you involved with the Group as soon as possible.

Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)

14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  If you would like to volunteer with our Group towards your DofE please fill in our online form (https://forms.gle/cBciVRQv2ecWbobJ8) or contact us at kenningtonscouts@gmail.com, and we will try and get you involved with the Group as soon as possible.

But I don’t know anything about Scouting!

That doesn't matter to us: we don’t expect our volunteers to come to us with any particular knowledge or experience.  All that we are looking for is energy and enthusiasm: we can help with everything else that you need to know.

I work full time – can I still volunteer?

The majority of our adult volunteers work full time and they fit their Scouting roles around this.  Most meetings take place outside of normal working hours, but even if your work means that you can’t help out with section meetings, there are many other ways to get involved.  We will always look for ways that a role can be adapted to suit your needs, whether you can help out once a fortnight, month or term, or just at special events or camps.

Are there any restrictions on helping out?

Scouting does not discriminate – whatever your gender, age, religion, abilities or skills we will find a role to suit you.  Adult members must be over 18, but we also welcome Young Leaders, aged between 14 and 18.

Will I get paid?

As a voluntary organisation, none of the leaders or managers are paid for the time we give to Scouting.  However, most of us find that this is part of its appeal – we do it because we enjoy it!  You can claim expenses and your attendance at camps and other activities will often be funded.  Adult uniform is free.

What is the process for joining?

Please contact us (kenningtonscouts@gmail.com) and give us some information about what you would like to do.  Someone will be in touch shortly to discuss how to get you involved.  A DBS check is carried out on all volunteers, no matter what their role, and is required even if you already have a DBS check from a different organisation as they are not transferable.  For some roles you will have to go along to an appointments meeting, to talk to people outside of the Group about the role you want to take on.  Depending on your role you may have to do some training, or demonstrate that you already have a required skill.  More information about the adult training scheme is available from the Oxfordshire County training pages and from the national Scout training pages.