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The Scout Group’s Executive Committee works to support the Group Scout Leader and to make sure that the Group delivers the best experiences it can, safely and legally. Like the Board of Governors in a school, the Executive Committee helps to set the long-term vision for the group and supports the Group’s Leaders to make that a reality. And this is headed up by the Chair of the Executive Committee. It’s an important role as this member makes sure that the necessary decisions are taken and actions are carried out to achieve the short- and long-term goals of the Group. As such, the Chair plays a key part in the future success of the Scout Group.
Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Alastair Cameron, Group Chair of the Earlston Scout Group in the Borders Scout District.
Please read Alistair’s Scouts volunteering story below and find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Are you also more comfortable behind the scenes? You don’t always have to work directly with young people to volunteer with Scouts. Please get in touch.
Name: Alistair Cameron
Your Group and District/Region: Earlston Scout Group, part of the Borders Scout District
Your Role: Group Chair
Were you a former Scout?
No previous Scouting experience. I joined as a parent volunteer in September 2021.
More about your role:
As Group Chair, my primary role is to ensure that our fantastic section Leaders have access to all the resources and support they need to deliver an exciting program of events for our young people in all sections. With no previous experience in scouting,
I took on the role with some trepidation, however, I have been able to draw on some great support from our Group Scout Leader and District Commissioner to settle in, as well as accessing the training materials available on Compass.
Why did you start volunteering with Scouts/Group?
My son is autistic and started Scouting within Beavers to improve his social skills and interaction with other groups. He had a fantastic time. The Section Leaders and parent volunteers went out of their way to make him feel included and valued within the Scouting community. As he moved up into Cubs, I started to attend weekly sessions as a parent volunteer in order to provide him with additional support, and an extra pair of hands to the Leaders where required.
What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts/Group?
The Exec Team has worked hard over the past few months to get our minibus back on the road after a period of Covid “hibernation”, and has been supported by a number of local businesses to whom we are very grateful for the support.
We have also reached out to build closer links with our Community Council, as well as launching an inclusiveness initiative to ensure that the cost of living crisis does not cause any of our members to have to drop out of sessions or activities. As an Exec Committee, we should be guided by our Leaders and provide an enabling environment that allows them to develop a high-quality programme in conjunction with their young people. We take pride in delivering this.
Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
How to tie a knot for one thing! With no previous Scouting experience, it’s been fantastic to be part of the Cubs pack as a parent volunteer as well as my role on the Executive Committee. It really gives you an awareness of the hard work done by the Leaders in all sections, and redoubles my commitment to ensuring that we do all the necessary fundraising and infrastructure work needed to ensure they have everything they need to deliver a quality programme.
How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
I work a busy day job with a fair degree of responsibility. Volunteering with Scouts is a great release, and gives me a great sense of pride to be doing something to support the various Scouting sections that have a meaningful impact on my local community.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts/Group?
Just do It.
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 minibus drivers, session planners and 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 Borders District, the current vacancies include:
What to expect:
– 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 form which can be found using the option above. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.
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