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 series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to Ross Cootes, Scout Leader at the 101st Edinburgh North East Scouts.
Read his 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.
Name – Ross Cootes
Group – 101st Edinburgh North East (McLaren Halls, 48 Restalrig Road South) Scouts
My names Ross and I’m the Scout Leader at a Scout group in Edinburgh.
I started my journey with the Scouts way back when at the ripe age of six years old. I started, with much encouragement from my mother as she assured me I’d enjoy myself as many of my friends were going along too. From Beavers to Explorers, to moving on to become a Leader, Scouts has always been a big part of my life, and has played a massive part in developing my confidence over the years.
I wanted to become a Leader not only to create the same experiences for the current Scouts that I had when I was younger, but also to develop the soft skills and responsibilities required to be in the role, from planning each session, to going through many a (very useful!) training session, to the day-to-day game playing with the young people.
After having only been in the role since COVID hit, we are finally returning to a more normal version of Scouting and I’m very much still finding my feet. We even have a camp in the planning works.
I couldn’t be more excited to see what this year brings for myself, the other Leaders, and all the young people at my group.
The skills and experience you gain through Scouting are unmatched and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned in my time in Scouting so far.
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 Edinburgh North East District, the current vacancies include:
- Group Scout Leaders
- Occasional helpers
- Cub Leaders
- Assistant Scout Leader
- Beaver Leader
- District Explorer Scout Commissioner
- District Scout Network Commissioner
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 Edinburgh North East District, the current vacancies include:
- Group Scout Leaders
- Occasional helpers
- Cub Leaders
- Assistant Scout Leader
- Beaver Leader
- District Explorer Scout Commissioner
- District Scout Network Commissioner
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:
