About Us

The Scout Association provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for nearly 450,000 young people aged 6-25. Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Every year we help more and more young people (Boys and Girls) in the UK to enjoy new adventures; to experience the outdoors; interact with others, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

What makes our volunteers?

Our volunteers do not necessarily have experience of scouting, it is this variety that helps us to build a programme that engages our young people - everyone has something to offer. The one thing that unites all volunteers within the Scout Association is an energy and enthusiasm for the young people and a sense of sharing their knowledge.

When do they volunteer?

Whilst all our volunteers are passionate about what they do, many help on a flexible basis due to other commitments. Some may help out once a week or fortnightly and others help once a term or at certain troop activities.

Why volunter? The benefits...

Research has shown that volunteering has a hugely positive impact on the lives of those who volunteer in the charity sector. According to the research, the majority of volunteers reported having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%).

Nearly two thirds (65%) also said that since beginning volunteer work they have developed useful employability skills; with 59% saying they feel more confident and 54% feeling more motivated in their jobs.

Volunteering in Scouting is fun and rewarding. You will have the chance to learn new skills, rediscover adventure, make new friends and give something back to your community.

Everyone has something to give

You may feel that you have no skills to offer Scouting - but everyone has something to give.  We aim to provide our young people with experiences across multiple sectors, catering, conservation, safety, engineering, mechanics, religion and beliefs, sports, orienteering, camping and survival.

Everyone has the opportunity to add value to our young people's development.