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 Regions. The Executive Committee in Scouts is like a board of governors in a school. Basically, it makes sure that the young people get the best possible experience. The volunteers that make up the Committee give their time to ensure that the Group or District or Region continues to meet its charitable purpose: safely and legally.
Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Scott Goddard who is not only a Cub Leader but also a Member of the Regional Executive Committee.
Read Scott’s story below.
And find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Are you a decision maker, direction setter and general arranger? We have several Executive Committee positions available – see below.
Name – Scott Goddard
Group and District – 21st Craigalmond (South Queensferry), Craigalmond District
Role – Cub Leader and Member of the Regional Executive Committee
Fun fact – been involved in the Region since c1983
In the photograph – Scott is sitting down on the left of the picture
What made you agree to be on the Regional Executive?
Over the years I have become better at saying ‘no’ when asked to take on new Scouting roles or responsibilities! However, this time around it felt really nice to be asked, and this role felt like one where I could make a real difference offering a voice for Leaders working hard on the ground as the Region looks to bounce back from a challenging 18 months. I have a genuine passion for us all to be focussed on offering better Scouting for more young people and hopefully I can help the Regional Executive support our growing team of adult volunteers across the region to collectively achieve this.
Why did you start volunteering with Scouts?
My experience of Scouting began on my 8th Birthday as a Cub at the 82nd Inverleith, now Craigalmond, back in 1983. (Nineteen Eighty Three) By the time I was 12 I had begun my journey as a leader at Cramond and throughout the last 35 years I have had the privilege of volunteering alongside some brilliant people, so many of whom are still supporting Scouting in the Region today. After a few years when my children were younger I took a step back but kept involved delivering a few modules for the Region’s Training Team. More recently I am enjoying being a Cub Leader in my home town of South Queensferry where my girls are now in the Cubs and Scouts and I am relishing the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Regional Executive.
What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts/group?
Volunteering with the Scouts has taken me around the world to Iceland, Sweden and even as far away as China & Mongolia (twice). Despite these amazing experiences, the best thing I have done is, along with others, maintained for 26 years the annual tradition of offering a week long green field summer camp at the side of a Scottish loch for every Scout in the Troop. Some of the features have evolved and improved over the years but the basic formula of patrol cooking, water activities, hikes & fun competition would be recognised by Scouts and Leaders involved 3 or 4 generations ago.
Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
I would argue that I have learned more through my involvement in Scouting than I did at school or university combined! I’ve spent the last 15 years running my own businesses and the people who work for me are constantly amazed at how often Scouting comes in useful whether it be a skill or a handy contact.
How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
There was a time when I spent more time volunteering than I did working! Now that I am my own boss I’m afraid it doesn’t quite work that way. I count myself lucky to have an incredibly satisfying job, but the sense of satisfaction from volunteering with the Scouts is very different, not just from working with young people but in being able to help other adults get the same out of Scouting as I have over the years and help the Region grow and support it’s volunteers.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts/group?
There are several ways to look at this. I expect for some people volunteering today might seem even more daunting than it looked 20-30 years ago with the ever growing list of rules, guidelines, hoops etc to jump through. For others these same hoops act as a reassurance that this is a dynamic organisation with it’s finger on the pulse. Whatever your view, I would encourage anyone to grab the opportunity that Scouting offers adults. There are far more flexible ways to give your time these days too. The hard work and rules to follow are soon far outweighed by the fun and strong lifelong friendships and memories created.
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).
Regional Executive Committee and Other current vacancies include:
If you wish to also become a Cub Leader we have opportunities across our Region including in Border District, Braid District, Craigalmond District, East Lothian District, Edinburgh North East District, Midlothian District, Pentland District.
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:
