South East Scotland Scouts is full of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives and learning a whole lot along the way. Next in our new series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to Kirstin Worsley, Beaver Leader at Cardrona Beavers in the Borders District.
Read her story and find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone at Scouts.
From left to right Gillian MacDonald Beaver Leader, Jake Lockyer YL, Rosie Callaghan YL, and Kirstin Worsley.
Name – Kirstin Worsley
Group and District – Cardrona Beavers, Borders District
Role – Beaver Leader
My time in Scouting
24 years ago I set up a Beaver colony in Newton Stewart as there hadn’t ever been one and my son, then aged 6, was really keen to be involved. With another mum, we started the colony and I ran it for a couple of years until the birth of my third child, when I stopped being able to help out.
I also help out occasionally at Explorers and am happy to get involved with whatever I am asked to do, I love it!
Seeing the little ones grow in confidence (and height!) is fantastic but for me, watching my Young Leaders with the Beavers, growing in confidence themselves and learning new skills is just as important. It is about all the ages coming together as one big family that makes it so much fun and so rewarding.
I was a Brownie originally but when I went on my day visit to guides and saw the “toilet” I decided it wasn’t for me so I never joined! I was quite a stubborn teenager!
For the reasons above and because I love volunteering, it is a great way to make new friends and to do something I love.
Going to camp! It is really good fun, even if the camp is at home in our own hall, as it was last week with the Beavers. If you had told me this would be my favourite thing when I was stood in front of the toilet tent at Guide camp, I wouldn’t have believed you!
I feel like I have always volunteered, I can’t remember a time when I haven’t. The thing I have learnt most is how to say no, knowing my own capacity for the time I can give is really important. It is ok to say no when I know I just don’t have time. My motto is “if I say I will do something I will, I will always say no if I can’t”.
How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
It gets me away from the desk job (where I am responsible for a lot of volunteers in a different role). It also challenges me to do something that might take me slightly out of my comfort zone but in a safe way as I always have others around me to ask, if I need help.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
If you think you would like to find out what is involved, come along and watch what goes on. The more people who get involved, the less onerous it is and it really can be fun! Just remember my motto and say no if you can’t do something. It is better to do that than to feel obliged. And remember, you don’t have to go to camp if you don’t want to!
Thinking of becoming a volunteer?
Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.
Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.
We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in.
Volunteer roles
There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.
We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.
The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).
Across the Borders District, the current vacancies include:
- Explorer Leaders
- Section Leaders – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
- Section Assistants – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
- Group Scout Leaders and Assistant
- Occasional helpers
- Executive Members – Secretary, Treasurer, Chair
What to expect:
- A warm welcome
- Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
- Easy access to training and resources online
- Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers
No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.
Make a difference, volunteer today
To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.
Enquiry form
Let’s find the right fit for you
Across the Borders District, the current vacancies include:
- Explorer Leaders
- Section Leaders – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
- Section Assistants – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
- Group Scout Leaders and Assistant
- Occasional helpers
- Executive Members – Secretary, Treasurer, Chair
Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to a local volunteer, who’ll be in touch shortly:
