Meet the Volunteer – Alex, Assistant Beaver Leader

26 Sep 2022

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Beavers are young people aged 6 to 8. Beavers get up to all sorts of things, including day visits, sleepovers, arts and crafts, exploring the outdoors and much more! Their fun adventures are only possible thanks to our amazing set of leaders – the backbone of Scouting.

Next in our ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Alex, Assistant Beaver Scout Leader for the 7th Edinburgh North East (Leith) Sea Scouts who are also known as Trinity 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 – Alex

Group and District – 7th Edinburgh North East (Leith) Sea Scouts

Role – Assistant Beaver Leader

Joined Scouting – since March 2019

Any former Scouting experience? I was a Beaver and Cub Scout in the 1980s

I’ve been volunteering at my local Scout group, 7th Edinburgh North East (Leith) Sea Scouts since early 2019 as an Assistant Beaver Scout Leader.

My older son had started in Beavers two years before and the Colony was very welcoming and inclusive, as well as fun. What struck me, having been a Beaver and Cub myself as a child is how much Scouting had changed, and how much more was offered to keep everyone interested. My abiding memory of Scouting in the 1980s was that it was general lawlessness for small boys to burn off steam playing football, wrestling and fighting.

Now they are building water filters, visiting observatories and islands, learning camp craft, as well as running around like whirlwinds. In 2019 our Group was facing potential closure as many leaders were retiring/moving away, and volunteers were being sought, so it felt like the right moment to become involved.

The great thing about Beavers is that pretty much any idea is worth trying. We’ve made cardboard toilets to learn about World Toilet Day, put on a Chinese Zodiac puppet show, run a pirate assault course, learned our own phonetic alphabet (C is for Chocolate), made giant paper aeroplanes, gone grass sledging and created our own junk-modelling animal collection.

Scouting gives you an excuse to chance your luck by asking for things you might get a funny look for otherwise, and one of our highlights was visiting the local fire station.

During lockdown we kept Beavers running on Zoom, which proved much more successful than anticipated, with parents expressing thanks for keeping young people connected and giving them something fun to look forward to.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING:
As I work for the emergency services, my job is often unpleasant, stressful or even traumatic, and Beavers is a great pressure valve to counteract that. It allows an hour of complete silliness, be that making armpit fudge or hosting the conker Olympics. Let’s be honest, it’s not “just an hour a week” by the time all the planning and preparing is counted, but it’s just good fun. Come and give it a go!

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, 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
Scout, Cub and Beaver Leaders
Assistant Scout, Cub and Beaver Leaders

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.

Jacob Wood volunteers at HM The Queen’s Lying in State

20 Sep 2022

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Doing his final duty to the Queen

120 Scouts aged 18-25 gave their time to support the thousands of people who paid their respects to our late Patron, HM Queen Elizabeth II in London. Included in this roll call was Jacob Wood, Assistant Scout Leader at Bonnyrigg Scouts, part of the Midlothian Scout District, which is one of 7 Districts in the South East Scotland Scouts Region. Jacob is also a student at Heriot-Watt University and works as a Lifeguard and Swim Teacher for Midlothian Council.

Jacob was on the night shift. He helped people in the final stretch of the queue, taking in items and supporting those wishing to pay their respects. He also dealt with in part the accessible queue into Westminster Hall. After his final shift, he joined fellow Scouts to watch the funeral at Gilwell before starting his return journey home on Monday 19th September evening.

South East Scotland Scouts would like to say a personal thanks to Jacob for helping to facilitate the queue for The Queen’s Lying in State. He was engaging and respectful to all. We are proud of you, and all the other Scouts, for doing your final duty to our late Patron, Queen Elizabeth II.

Jacob said: “I chose to put my name forward as it is every Scouts Promise “to do their duty to the Queen” and by doing this I felt I was accomplishing one of the many important things we promise to do. The Queen has been very special and supportive of Scouting throughout her reign. Scouts helped at her Coronation so we have played our part from start to end.”

Jacob has kindly shared some photographs from his time in London. Thank you for giving us a ‘behind the scenes’ look at your night shift and what you undertook.

As Scouts, we have a long history of supporting the nation and serving our communities, so we’re honoured to play our part in such a significant moment for the Nation. Here’s a photo of the initial briefing in Gilwell as the first planning began.

For more news, photographs, videos and stories about HM The Queen’s Lying in State please visit HERE.

Bonaly Scout Centre join the nation in mourning the death of our monarch and Patron, HM The Queen.

19 Sep 2022

Meet the Volunteer – Catherine Gilliland, Beaver Leader

18 Aug 2022

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Beavers are young people aged 6 to 8 who gather in groups called Beaver Colonies to hop, skip and jump their way through lots of different games and activities – achieving anything they set their minds to, and having lots of fun along the way. This is only achievable thanks to our powerhouse of Beaver Leaders who are on hand to supervise activities, share their skills and keep everyone safe.

Next in our ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Gilliland, Beaver Leader, Stockbridge Beaver Colony, 64th Edinburgh North East Scout Group.

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.

Name – Catherine Gilliland
Group and District – Stockbridge Beaver Colony, 64th Edinburgh North East Scout District
Role – Beaver Leader

Prior to Scouting:
I grew up as part of the wider Scouting family as a Rainbow, a Brownie, and a Guide. I enjoyed and benefited from my time as a youth member to such an extent that I often thought fondly of running my own section.

For a number of years, after university, I volunteered with the Rainbows and Brownies. I found an energising joy in the challenging and rewarding pursuit of working with young people.

Why I decided to volunteer with Scouts:
As the world was opening up again, I was looking around for something to do. The pandemic left many feeling isolated from their communities and I was no different. I was interested in working with young people again and wanted to take a step toward returning to work. I turned on my computer and began to look for volunteering opportunities.

It was the case, growing up in London in the nineties, that Girlguiding was, unsurprisingly, for girls and Scouting was for boys. I came across a posting for a Beaver Leader and saw that Scouting was making it abundantly clear that they now welcomed everyone regardless of gender or any other characteristic. As a disabled woman passionate about equality this was really exciting to see.

Volunteering #GoodForTwo:
On replying to the volunteering post in January I learned that there was no local Beaver Colony because of a lack of Leaders. I was excited to get stuck in, but I had some concerns. A few years previously I had taken the difficult decision to leave work because of ill mental health. I also have a lifelong visual impairment. I did not doubt my capability, but I know how important it is to have the right support.

I asked my partner, Sikandar, to join me in volunteering. It’s made the experience all the more wonderful having my partner and friend along for the ride.

“I initially became an Assistant Beaver Leader to help and support my partner, who had volunteered to revive a Beaver Colony that had lain dormant for a while.

I felt this was an admirable and courageous decision. I wanted to do what I could to help her succeed and help the Section thrive. The process of helping her has brought with it a number of happy surprises. I have found that I really enjoy planning and executing activities for young people.

I am highly invested in their progress and development within Scouting.”

Sikandar Singh Soin, Assistant Beaver Leader

Scouting support:
But I need not have been concerned about a lack of support. I have met so many welcoming, supportive, fantastic people in my eight months as a Beaver Leader, including my Assistant Beaver Leaders, Val and Alicia, the parents and carers, the Beaver Scouts themselves, and volunteers in the wider Group, District and Region.

By mid-March we had our first meeting with three Leaders and fifteen Beaver Scouts. In April, we invested seventeen Beaver Scouts and three Beaver Leaders all in one go with the help of our District Commissioner, Rob Whitelaw. This coming term we will see our first Beavers moving on to Cubs. It’s been a challenge, a learning experience, and a pleasure made possible by the wealth of skills, knowledge, kindness and enthusiasm in Scouting.

My favourite thing about Scouts:
I think my favourite thing about being a Leader, and also how I know I’ve done a good job, happens in the final moments of madness when parents and young people pair off and head into the night. It is when I see and hear the Beavers excitedly telling their grown-ups about the game they played, the thing they learned, or the creation they made.

Inclusion and Diversity

Scouts is an inclusive, values based movement and membership is open to all those who share our fundamental values.

The Equal Opportunities Policy outlines what we do to ensure the movement is open and accessible; and that people are treated equally and with respect. This policy is reflective of the ethos of Scouts, expressed by our fundamental values (integrity, care, co-operation, respect and belief) and our commitment to delivering Scouts for all. By removing any real or perceived barriers to participation, we can ensure that even more young people can enjoy the adventure of Scouts and that Scouts will be as diverse as the communities in which we live.

If you have a question or wish to volunteer please get in touch.

Meet the Volunteer – Jo Mitchell

25 May 2022

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A volunteer story

Next in our series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to meet Jo Mitchell who is the Deputy District Commissioner (DDC) in Craigalmond District until February 2023 when she becomes District Commissioner (DC) taking over from Mark Hesketh.

Across South East Scotland we’re proud to be a single-family of Scouts. But to make sure everyone gets the support they need, we are arranged in different Groups and Districts across our Region. As part of our Scouting structure, there are a number of management roles that provide leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers. Jo, as Deputy District Commissioner for Craigalmond, does just this helping to make sure that the young people get the best possible experience.

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.

Name – Jo Mitchell
Group or District Name – Craigalmond
Role – Deputy District Commissioner (DDC) until February 2023 then District Commissioner

[Please note that the below was shared before Jo became District Commissioner in February 2023]

Your time in Scouting
I started in my DDC role some 5 months ago so around January 2022. I have been involved in Scouting for nearly 30 years, as I started as a Venture Scout as it was known then and then as a Scout Leader, Explorer Leader, Group Scout Leader (GSL) and now here in my current role as DDC.

What’s it like to be a Deputy District Commissioner (DDC)?
Being a DDC means working with the DC to respond to the needs of the groups in the District making sure that all groups are supported by the District. I help groups to bring in new young people and Leaders, interacting with Leaders, parents and young people to ensure everyone gets the most out of Scouting. I also meet new Leaders to introduce them and support them as part of the start of their Scouting journey. It is important to manage time to effectively support groups and help others develop.

Why did you start volunteering with Scouts/group?
Personally, I got so much out of Scouts when I was younger that I wanted to help make it the best for young people today and in the future.

Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
I am always amazed by the skills and dedication of our volunteers. They demonstrate an amazing ability to work with other Leaders who believe in Scouts as much as I do. This means I am always learning new activities, meeting new people and developing myself. I like that.

How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
Not only is it a good distraction from the day job, but it also makes me a more rounded person. The Scout training is a fantastic help as there is ongoing learning, even when you think there isn’t! Every day is a school day!

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
We say that Scouts is for everyone. Not many associations and organisations can say that but we can – young people or adults! Scouts provides a sense of belonging not just as a young person but as an adult too. We all believe in the values and respect what Scouting provides. Scouting truly helps young people to develop all-rounded skills for life.

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. 

Meet the Volunteer – Katie Young, District Secretary

23 May 2022

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The District Secretary is a key role which provides support to the non-uniformed and executive side of Scouting in the District. They support the Chair of the Executive Committee to ensure the smooth functioning and sound administration of the Scout Group or District in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scouts. The District Secretary is pivotal to making Scouts happen! And we’d like to introduce you to Katie who is our very own District Secretary at Edinburgh North East.

In our ‘Meet the Volunteer’ series we like to showcase a range of volunteer roles from across our Region to give you a flavour of our Scouting family. We are pleased to share Katie’s story. Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone at Scouts.

Name – Katie Young
District – Edinburgh North East District
Role – District Secretary

My role in Scouting
As District Secretary I support the District Chair and Executive Committee by attending our regular meetings, writing up meeting minutes and taking part in the decisions made by the Executive. I enjoy meeting with other adult volunteers and getting an overview of what’s going on for us as a District. It’s great to be involved in the issues and actions we can take as an Executive to make a real impact for how the District is run to support both our young people and our adult volunteers.

What is it like being a District Secretary?
We work together as a real team to deliver on projects that will have an impact for all our adult volunteers and young people. A recent example was to decide how we should spend a legacy we kindly received for the benefit of the whole District. It was interesting to hear everyone’s ideas and work through their suggestions to land on a solution that would work for everyone.

What do you like about your Scouting role?
I particularly enjoy being involved in coordinating our Census response. Each year as District Secretary I bring together the information from each Group regarding how many young people we have in each section; the awards they’ve gained during the year and an anonymised overview of ages, gender, nationality, disability etc so we can shape Scouting better to be inclusive for everyone. It’s fascinating to see how the picture changes year on year and provides us with great data as a District about how we can better serve the community to provide Scouting for all.

Has being a Scout volunteer helped you?
Coordinating the Census also helped me in my working life as I had to get a project plan organised for myself to coordinate all the responses; learn about data protection; and navigate various spreadsheets and the online system. All great skills to develop!

Why did you start volunteering with Scouts?
I started volunteering with Scouts over 10 years ago now. At that time of my life, I had a very busy and unpredictable job which involved a lot of travel. I had just moved back to Edinburgh and I was looking for a volunteering role where I could make an impact in my community, but one where I did not have to make a regular weekly commitment.

I was also interested in volunteering with Scouting in particular. Having started out in Guides I moved to become a Venture Scout and had some amazing adventures as a young person myself: completing my Explorer Belt in France; gaining volunteering and hiking experience for my Queen’s Scout, and being fortunate enough to gain a place in a Scottish Scouting Expedition to The Gambia – my first ever trip outside of Europe. I’d had such a valuable and enriching time in Scouting as a young person I wanted to do something that would enable me to give back.

My time in Scouting
My aunt introduced me to her minister, who at that time was the District Appointments Chair. I met her and started out as an Appointments committee member meeting and interviewing new adult volunteers (like me!). When the minister moved to a new area I had settled in; was enjoying the camaraderie of the appointments committee; and decided to take on her role of coordinating the team. At that stage, I was coming along to Executive meetings to make a regular update on our activities and started to get to know the Executive team which led to the opportunity to step up as one of two Deputy District Commissioners. Now I was really getting involved in what was happening!

After some time of enjoying that role things began to be busy again at work, and I spoke to my line manager about other roles where I could still contribute but have less involvement in the day to day activities of the District, which is when I discussed the role of District Secretary.

Would you encourage anyone to volunteer with Scouts?
Volunteering in Scouting and being able to flex my level of commitment as things have changed in my life and work has been fantastic. It’s meant that I’ve been able to contribute according to the free time that I can commit to and have not had to step out of volunteering altogether which might have been the case in another volunteer organisation. I’d recommend volunteering with Scouting to anyone who is unsure about the level of commitment they can make. There are roles to suit everyone and once you are part of this community there are so many chances to learn new skills and meet new people.

Being involved in Scouting has also allowed me to build up a network in Edinburgh. Although my job is based in Edinburgh the colleagues I work with day to day are scattered all over the world. It’s been lovely to connect with people, now friends, in my own community and have a shared interest with my fellow adult volunteers.

I’m glad I made the decision to volunteer with Scouts. I can really see the benefits that the organisation brings to young people and it makes me feel like what I do is making a difference.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

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
Scout Leaders
Beaver Leaders
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. You can read some role descriptions here to help you decide.

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 which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

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Meet the Volunteer – Alex, Assistant Beaver Leader

News

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VOLUNTEER ROLES

Jacob Wood volunteers at HM The Queen’s Lying in State

News

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Doing his final duty to the Queen

Bonaly Scout Centre join the nation in mourning the death of our monarch and Patron, HM The Queen.

Meet the Volunteer – Catherine Gilliland, Beaver Leader

News

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Inclusion and Diversity

Meet the Volunteer – Jo Mitchell

News

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A volunteer story

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Meet the Volunteer – Katie Young, District Secretary

News

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VOLUNTEER ROLES

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