Trustee Week is 1-5 November 2021. We want to take this chance to showcase the great work our Trustees do and how they make a difference. Thank you to all our Trustees who play a vital role, volunteering your time and working together to make important decisions about Scouts for the good of our young people.
The District Executive Committee plays a vital role in the running of a Scout District. Executive Committee members contribute to the running of the District by providing administrative support, strategic direction, compliance with relevant legislation and completion of the duties set out in The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules. Executive Committees help ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to young people in the District, and all are adult volunteers.
Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gilbert, Executive Committee Member and Data Protection Lead at the 30th Craigalmond Group (Davidson’s Mains) which is part of the Craigalmond Scout District.
Read Sarah’s story below.
And find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Are you a decision maker, direction setter and general arranger? Are you a do-er and have a go-er? Please get in touch.
Name – Sarah Gilbert
Group and District – 30th Craigalmond Group (Davidson’s Mains) which is part of the Craigalmond Scout District
Role – Executive Committee Member and Data Protection Lead
Your Executive role:
For my Executive role, I support general administrative duties, such as writing the adverts to recruit for new volunteers, Along with the other members of the Committee I take part in the financial decisions the Exec Committee makes. For example, agreeing our budget for things like the scout hall maintenance and improvements, and the purchase of equipment for the Group. Collectively as a Committee we’re responsible for supporting the strategic goals of the Group, so I take part in Committee discussion to help identify opportunities to engage with the other communities in the local area and make sure the Group is diverse and inclusive in its membership and volunteers. As the Data Protection Lead I’m responsible for keeping the group in line with it’s data privacy requirements, so I’m responsible for the group’s data protection policy and make sure that everyone in the group follows our data privacy commitments.
Why did you start volunteering with Scouts?
I wanted my son to join Beavers, but the waiting list was so long that the Group needed new Leaders to set up a new Beaver colony. I became a Beaver Leader so my son and his friends could all join Beavers together.
What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts?
The Group camps have been the highlight. Seeing all the different age groups interact in activities and games, with the older members teaching the younger one new campfire songs. Like one very large happy family!
Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
I’ve learned numerous ways to keep young people entertained on a walk in the woods! Most importantly, I’ve learned how rewarding it can be to spend time with like-minded people who have a shared goal of creating great experiences for the young people and giving something back to our local community.
How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
It’s made me realise that I’ve a got a very transferable set of skills, and that I’m happy to have a go at anything and open to learning on the job, from craft to knots and organising games. It’s also given me a great local network of people who know how to fix things!
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
You won’t regret it! Even if you can only spare a small amount of time, you get so much more back from new friends, fun, memories, experiences and a strong sense of community.
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).
Craigalmond current vacancies include:
- Beaver and Cub Leaders for the 26th Craigsbank, 88th Carricknowe and 71st St Annes
- Scout Leaders for the 102nd St Andrews Clermiston
- Assistant District Commissioners – Beavers and Cubs
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
Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to the appropriate member, who’ll be in touch shortly:
