Volunteer in Scouts
Why Be a Leader?
Being a volunteer in Scouting is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a significant impact on young people’s lives. You’ll help youth develop skills for life, including self-confidence, ethics, leadership, and citizenship, while having fun and creating lasting memories.
Whether you're a parent or simply someone who enjoys supporting young people, you’ll thrive in our positive, supportive environment. Helping young people reach their full potential is immensely satisfying and enriches your own life.
Have you got Questions
Call our Leader information hotline on 03 8543 9888
Find out more Information
How to Get Involved?
Leader of Youth
Lead a Joey, Cub, Scout, Venturer or Rover Unit, each offering a unique experience tailored to specific age groups. Most of our volunteers work directly with young people aged 5 to 26 through our Sections.
Support Roles
If a Leader of Youth role isn’t for you, consider joining one of our activity teams. These teams focus on specific areas like STEM, scuba diving, rock climbing, or other specialised Outdoor Adventure activities, providing support and expertise to enhance the Scouting experience. Other roles also include administration, fundraising, operations, governance, and serving on parent committees. Check out all the Activity Teams you can be a part of here.
What Can I Expect?
As a Scout Leader, you can look forward to:
- Adventurous Activities: Take part in countless adventurous activities with wonderful company at low costs.
- Travel Opportunities: Enjoy incredible travel opportunities, both interstate and overseas, to share discoveries and memories with youth members.
- Supportive Network: You’re never alone, with thousands of fellow Leaders to turn to in a giant, supportive network of friends.
What’s the Benefit to Me?
The benefits of being volunteering at Scouts extend beyond immediate joy:
Personal Satisfaction
Volunteering provides immense personal satisfaction by helping others achieve their goals and succeed. This sense of fulfillment and purpose can enhance your overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Skill Development
Volunteering as a Scout Leader helps you develop valuable skills such as:
- Leadership: Guiding and mentoring youth and organising activities.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with other volunteers and Leaders.
- Communication: Effectively interacting with youth, parents, and other Leaders.
- Problem-Solving: Handling various challenges that arise during Section nights, activities and events.
Lifelong Connections
Building a network of friends and mentors within the Scouting community creates lasting bonds. You’ll join a global family of over 57 million members, fostering friendships and connections that span the globe.
Continuous Learning
Embrace opportunities for continuous personal and professional development through ongoing training and mentorship. It is reported that 96% of volunteers would recommend the experience to others, highlighting the positive impact on their own growth and development.
Improved Wellbeing
Volunteering can significantly boost your mental wellbeing. Research shows that 70% of volunteers report improved life satisfaction and 66% report higher self-esteem. Additionally, 42% feel less lonely, and 33% experience reduced stress. Volunteering also enhances physical health, as studies suggest lower stress levels and a stronger immune system.
Increased Employability
Develop useful employability skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. According to research, 65% of volunteers developed skills that improved their job prospects, with 59% feeling more confident and 54% more motivated in their careers.
Health Benefits
Volunteering has been linked to better physical health. It can lower stress levels, boost the immune system, and enhance overall physical fitness through active participation in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Stuff Scout Leaders Say...
These videos are part of a series titled "Stuff Scout Leaders Say..." They introduce you to some of our fantastic Scout Leaders who explain why they love being a part of Scouting and how the skills they developed through being a Scout Leader have benefited them.
Marketing Materials
You can find all the Volunteer in Scouting marketing materials including, social media tiles, posters and banners here.