Leaders and adults
The adventures we organise for the children depend on volunteers aged over 18 to lead them. You can help offer these adventures in many ways. This helps local children access opportunities to grow and keep the community alive.
For safety, we always need a certain number of adults at each meeting or event. Sometimes, we might need more adults for specific activities. You can choose how and when you want to help. Each section has a Team Leader who runs it. Team Members also help out. Occasional helpers will also be around helping with different things.
Scouting is not only about young people, but also about the development of our adults in Somerset. Adults develop skills through scouting activities and learning. Don’t think of it as daunting, Scouting is about teamwork and we’re there to support you every step of the way. This is your adventure. Sometimes, you will need to focus on other things like work and family life. Being a Leader fits around these times.
In South Petherton and East Somerset we have a particular interest in canoeing, archery and air rifle shooting. But this does depending on existing local leaders skills, and the children and young people's interests. If it involves learning a new skill and having fun, you can be supported to do it within Scouting.
Leader vacancies
We currently need in South Petherton:
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Two helpers for Beavers on Friday nights
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Two leaders for Scouts on either Mondays or Wednesdays*
Being a leader takes 2 hours of your time each week. There are also chances to join weekend activities a few times each school term, but all depends on your availability.
* if you can't manage these days there is the potential to change to a different day, just speak to us!
Learning and support
Your journey begins with an induction. This will guide you through the early weeks. You will be part of a bigger team. This team works with you and supports you. You can complete training modules in different ways. You can use e-learning or virtual courses. You can also use workbooks. Sometimes, a County Training Team member teaches these at different places in the County.
You must complete certain modules called Growing Roots in the first 6 months. These include safety, safeguarding, and understanding GDPR. Later modules called Branching Out must be completed within three years. These include administration, supporting young people, promoting positive behaviour, and delivering a quality program. There is also ongoing safeguarding and safety training.
Learning is not just about training. It is important to use the skills and knowledge in your Scouting role. That's why the second part of learning is called validation. More details about training and how to complete and validate it are in the Somerset Learners Hub.
Cost
You donate your time to South Petherton Scouts, not your money. If you spend anything while helping to run Scouts (like materials for activities, printing or parking) you can claim it back so no volunteer is ever out of pocket. The Group also covers the cost of your first set of uniform.