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. In the first of our new series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to Jack Caldwell, Cub Leader at the 154th Edinburgh North East Cubs.
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 – Jack Caldwell
Group – 154th Edinburgh North East (based out of Greenside Parish Church) Cubs
I became a Cub leader because of the amazing job my leaders did for me when I was younger.
Naturally, when I was old enough and when asked if I wanted to help out at the Cubs, I jumped at the chance, admittedly nervously. Looking after and leading 20 young people at a time sounded daunting but it actually wasn’t. The young people were eager and the nights rolled on with tonnes of fun, and new life skills which are milestones by both the young people (and leaders) earning badges.
I’ve been leading the 154th Edinburgh North East | SE Region (sesscouts.org.uk) Cub Scout section for a number of years now and have always felt very well supported by my team, whether they’re parent volunteers or qualified Scout Leaders. The Scout Organisation has ensured I’m well trained in planning fun activities, assessing risks and First Aid. We’ve done everything from kayaking to sewing so all is good.
That original Cub group (of 2008) that I was a young leader for are now leaving University. It’s amazing when I bump into one in the street and they tell me they still remember the time they found a starfish on a Cub Scout a beach trip or the goal they scored at a Scout camp football match. Some of them even went on to become Young Leaders too.
The difference leader volunteers make to a young person who maybe doesn’t go on foreign holidays or struggles with their shoelaces is massive. Teaching them a life skill that they then demonstrate themselves a week later is incomprehensible. Running or helping a Scout group that is open to all ages, all genders and all abilities is a massive privilege and a lot of fun. The responsibility for their wellbeing and creating great experiences is not something any good Scout Leader takes lightly. We’re not there to boss the young people around but ultimately have as much fun as them in a safe, respectful and constructive environment.
Anyone who volunteers with the Scout Association will be part of a great team of leaders and will work with some amazing young people who are keen to try new and positive experiences!
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:
