As an Adult interested in the Scout Movement there are many ways you can help. Being involved in Scouting is both hard work and fun. Over 100,000 adults are regularly involved in the UK as members of the Association and an estimated one million more are involved in a less regular way. You can give as much or as little of your time as you choose.

Your role as an adult

As an adult working with young people in a voluntary capacity, you will have a unique role to play in their lives.  Over time you'll meet young people who will benefit from the fun and adventure they have had whilst in your care.   They may not say thank you today, next week or even when they leave!

A mark of success is to meet in the high street the Scout who left at fifteen and who is now thirty-two.  They may tell you that they really enjoyed their time in Scouting.  They will probably remember their first camp as if it were only yesterday.  People remember a good Leader, just as they remember a good teacher at school.

Next steps

We suggest that the first thing you should do is contact us to talk about the ways in which you might help. You might want to become a Leader, or might prefer to help 'behind the scenes' as a Group manager, administrator or as a committee member or fund-raiser. You can get in contact with us by filling out our online form, or by phoning 0845 300 1818 to register your interest. This local call number is staffed from 8:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. Tell us where you'd like to volunteer and we'll put you in touch with someone local to you. (Although this website is aimed at people in North London, and the boroughs of Camden, Islington and the City of London in particular, we can actually help you to find a volunteering opportunity anywhere in London or even the whole of the UK!)

Once we've worked out together what it is you'd like to do, we'll set the paperwork in motion. Scouting has a strict child protection policy - and we will use the Criminal Records Bureau and other sources to check your suitability to work with and for young people. If you wish to become a Leader, we'll ask you to attend a short and informal interview.

Then we'll introduce you to the other adults with whom you'll be working, sort out training and induction for you and then support you as you get up and running in your new Scouting role.  

Enjoy the 'game of Scouting'.

Whatever your role in Scouting, you will enjoy it. It'll be hard work at times. You'll receive training and support in your role. You never stop learning. Baden-Powell once said, "Scouting is not a science... it is a great game."  Enjoy the game, have fun helping others and thank you for considering becoming a Leader and contributing to the lives of young people.