{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Chris James, Brand and Ambassador Manager, and Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"Our top tips to help everyone succeed and be happy in volunteering with Scouts.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EScouting makes such a difference to young people\u2019s lives, as well as to the lives of our volunteers, so we\u2019ve put together our set of top tips for a fun, friendly and rewarding experience that will help you to be prepared for anything.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are our 100 ways to make volunteering for Scouts better and more enjoyable for everyone.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17292/cad_sco_illustration_2000x1600min.png","width":2001,"height":1600,"altText":"A illustrated image of a group of Scouts and an adult celebrating. They are wearing bright clothing with their neckers and smiling. They are on a green background. A girl is reading, another girl is dancing and talking to the adult, a boy is holding a flower and another boy is carrying a cake with one hand and his other hand is holding a walking stick.","caption":"Illustrated by Courtney Ahn","link":null}]}],"config":null},{"type":"fullWidth","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Say thank you. \u003C/strong\u003EThank your fellow volunteers, parents and guardians, and young members next time you see them. Share the thanks around, and hopefully they\u2019ll do the same.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Celebrate the unsung heroes.\u003C/strong\u003E Who always goes the extra mile? If it\u2019s a young person, you can nominate them for the annual \u003Ca href=\u0022/news/2022/february/help-us-find-the-chief-scout-s-unsung-heroes-2022/\u0022 title=\u0022Help us find the Chief Scout\u2019s Unsung Heroes 2022\u0022\u003EChief Scout\u2019s Unsung Heroes Award\u003C/a\u003E. If it\u2019s a parent or volunteer, there\u2019s always badges, certificates and chocolate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Cake - make it, eat it and share it. \u003C/strong\u003EIt still makes for the world\u2019s best thank you. We promise this in no way contradicts #7.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Do something different.\u003C/strong\u003E Try and do something new each week to keep your meetings engaging. Use our growing pool of ready-made \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Activities\u0022\u003Eactivity ideas\u003C/a\u003E to plan your programme, from making hot air balloons to writing poetry.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. If in doubt, go out.\u003C/strong\u003E You can\u2019t beat learning in the outdoors; it\u2019s where we\u2019re supposed to be. Puddle jumping competition, anyone?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Invite cool guests in to help you.\u003C/strong\u003E Do any of your group\u2019s grown ups work for the fire service, look after a Guide Dog in training or rock out in a band? Could they pay a visit to your group to share their stories and talents?\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E7. Choose fruit \u003Cspan\u003Efor your mid-meeting snack.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E We know it might be controversial, but your young members\u2019 energy levels will go up.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E8. Pass it on.\u003C/strong\u003E Invite an older Scout to talk to your young people about their adventures. It could spark something that\u2019ll last a lifetime.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E9. Run a joint meeting.\u003C/strong\u003E This could be with another youth group or with another section, as that can be a great way to prepare Scouts for the next stage of their journey. We\u2019ve always found that a campfire brings people together if you\u2019re looking for ideas.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E10. Use our supporter\u2019s resources. \u003C/strong\u003EWe\u2019ve got some amazing supporters who\u2019ve helped us to create great resources for you. From \u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/hsbc-uk/\u0022 title=\u0022HSBC UK\u0022\u003EHSBC\u003C/a\u003E to \u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/go-outdoors/\u0022 title=\u0022GO Outdoors\u0022\u003EGo Outdoors\u003C/a\u003E, we can help your Scouts learn whilst they earn (badges!)\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17305/dsc_5029_mmpmin.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Two Scouts and their leader are at a big Scout event. They are stood around a BBQ eating, with the leader in the middle. There is lots cooking on the BBQ, including sausages and corn on the cob. One Scout is moving food around using tongs and the leader is smiling at him, looking very proud.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E11. Pinch ideas from other sections\u003C/strong\u003E. Remember, Explorers enjoy crafting just as much as Beavers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E12. Invest Scouts outdoors.\u003C/strong\u003E Your group could make a circle of torches or candles and invest new Scouts outside in the dark. It\u2019s more memorable that way.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E13. Take a mascot round the country.\u003C/strong\u003E Help Scouts to see more of the UK by getting a group mascot and taking pictures of it anywhere, from Snowdonia to the Isle of Skye.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E14. Make a splash. \u003C/strong\u003EYou don\u2019t have to be a Sea Scout to get out on the water. Why not look at ways you can have a floating meeting? From speaking to a local club to borrowing another group\u2019s kayaks, it\u2019s definitely worth taking the plunge.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E15. Make fires with chocolate. \u003C/strong\u003EYou might be surprised to know that you can learn to make at least four different kinds of fire with chocolate fingers.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E16. Learn to tie knots with strawberry shoelaces.\u003C/strong\u003E There\u2019s no need to untangle all the ropes afterwards - just eat them! It\u2019s not necessarily one of your five a day, sorry again #7, but a fun way to learn an essential skill. Have a look at how to \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/tie-a-tasty-reef-knot/\u0022 title=\u0022Tie a tasty reef knot\u0022\u003E\u2018Tie a tasty reef knot\u2019\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E17. Practise some campfire songs.\u003C/strong\u003E From the Fast Food Song to old chestnuts like the Quartermaster\u2019s Stores, everyone should know a few of these.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E18. Know how to make a s\u2019more.\u003C/strong\u003E If you don\u2019t know what one of these is, ask a Scout.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E19. Hold a themed camp.\u003C/strong\u003E Camping\u2019s great, but camping in space is even better! Ask your Scouts for their ideas to decide on a theme for your next camp.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E20. Keep spiders out of tents \u003C/strong\u003Eby putting conkers at the door. We\u2019ve heard it works, but don\u2019t ask us for the proof. We\u2019re just passing this on \u2013 sorry spiders!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17299/210510_squirrels_0654min.jpg","width":2000,"height":1334,"altText":"A female volunteer and three Squirrels are crouching down in a woodland. They are looking at different leaves. A girl Squirrel is holder the leaf and the volunteer is pointing to it whilst talking.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E21. Admit when you\u2019re lost.\u003C/strong\u003E Never be afraid to admit when you\u2019re lost, as it\u2019s always better to own up than to carry on and make things worse. Someone is bound to have a better idea or at least a phone with signal to help you find the way again.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E22. Learn to identify trees by their leaves.\u003C/strong\u003E Let\u2019s face it - young people are bound to ask you at some point.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E23. Take on the Platinum Jubilee Challenge.\u003C/strong\u003E Help Scouts to celebrate HM The Queen\u2019s 70 years as our Monarch and Patron with our 4 ready-made activities and Platinum Jubilee challenge. You can find out about different ways to celebrate on \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM The Queen\u0022\u003Eour Platinum Jubilee page\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E24. Plan a full moon hike.\u003C/strong\u003E When\u2019s your next meeting that\u2019s closest to a full moon? Why not make this the moment you and your Scouts go for a night hike? Full of magic, adventure and hot chocolate.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E25. Tell stories.\u003C/strong\u003E One of the most powerful ways to teach people is by telling stories, but you need to think about when and where you tell them. We\u2019ve found Scouts tend to listen more in front of a fire. However, involving #18 helps with that too\u2026\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E26. Talk to parents and guardians.\u003C/strong\u003E They\u2019ll love to know how their child is getting on. You can use apps, like a broadcast\u00A0WhatsApp\u00A0group, to update\u00A0parents\u00A0and guardians with upcoming events and key information.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E27. Run your Annual General Meeting as a picnic. \u003C/strong\u003ENot only is it more relaxing that sitting in rows of plastic chairs on a wet Wednesday evening, but it\u2019s also a chance for the group to bond as a family. Invite families, brothers and sisters to come along too - and maybe use it as a chance to talk about volunteering.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E28. Be sparky.\u003C/strong\u003E Learn three ways to light a fire without a match. You never know when you might forget your matches!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E29. Stay safe.\u003C/strong\u003E Young people\u2019s safety is always our number one priority, so make your \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/young-people-first-yellow-card/\u0022 title=\u0022Young People First - Yellow Card\u0022\u003EYellow Card\u003C/a\u003E your best friend. You could choose to laminate it and turn it in to a key ring for your cupboard keys so it\u2019s always handy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E30. Keep your training up to date.\u003C/strong\u003E Our \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/learning-development-and-awards/training/\u0022 title=\u0022Training\u0022\u003Etraining\u003C/a\u003E is vital for keeping you and others safe, as well as helping to make sure that we\u2019re supporting young people in the best possible way. Why not check your training expiry dates now?\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17304/db-20210929-70653-5937min.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A group of Scouts are inside their meeting place. There are six boys and a girl. They are playing a throwing game, running around and holding balls of paper to throw. The girl at the front looks very excited, as she is holding balls of paper in both hands and has both arms in the air, ready to throw them. She is wearing a purple hoodie.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E31. Always have a Plan B - and maybe a Plan C too!\u003C/strong\u003E Make sure you\u2019ve got another activity on hand that you can use as a back-up plan for each meeting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E32. Keep things simple.\u003C/strong\u003E Don\u2019t try and pack too much into every session. It\u2019s better to do a few things well, and let everyone have time to enjoy the activity, rather than rush through a lot.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E33. Be flexible.\u003C/strong\u003E Things won\u2019t always go to plan. It\u2019s always better to read the room and finish an activity early than push on with something that isn\u2019t working.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E34. Be prepared. \u003C/strong\u003ECreate a box of useful things to easily have on hand at every meeting. It could contain lots of great items, such as spare uniform, batteries, matches, woggles, biodegradable wipes, hand sanitiser, your first aid kit, wipes, bin bags, hair tiebacks and duct tape.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E35. Know some great 5-minute fillers.\u003C/strong\u003E If your activity finishes sooner than you thought, it would then be ready to fill in the gap with a quick game. You could make a games folder for your group to try some new ones too!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E36. Check your first aid kit. \u003C/strong\u003EAt the start of every term check that everything in your first aid kit is well stocked and in date. It might be worth looking in to getting some extra items too, such as period products, sun cream, or jelly babies for low blood sugar.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E37. Spread a smile.\u003C/strong\u003E Always have three new jokes up your sleeve in case of emergencies. They can be a welcome distraction while applying plasters!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E38. Keep a spare t-shirt handy.\u003C/strong\u003E Paint, mud, oil and ketchup are all part of Scout meetings, so make sure you\u2019re prepared for the worst. Always put a spare t-shirt, and maybe even extra socks, in your bag.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E39. A good clipboard knows no bounds. \u003C/strong\u003EWhether it\u2019s to protect your register from the rain or to keep important schedules from flying in the wind, a good clipboard can help you to keep calm and organised on a busy day.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E40. Share your stuff. \u003C/strong\u003EIf you only meet once a week, is there a way to share your space with another community group? Is there another Scout group who could borrow your kit? Set up a local volunteer\u2019s group chat to stay in touch and start sharing.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17313/sdw2110062586-motion_51559286353_omin.jpg","width":6720,"height":4480,"altText":"A boy Squirrel is looking at the camera smiling, with both hands held up in the air. His hands are covered in green paint and he has been making handprint pictures. A female volunteer is stood behind him, smiling. They are inside their meeting place.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E41. Be bold. \u003C/strong\u003EWhat could your group do that will be really special this year? Could it be a trip abroad or a chance to speak with astronauts on the International Space Station? \u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E42. Don\u2019t be afraid to be different.\u003C/strong\u003E That\u2019s how change happens.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E43. Share what you\u2019ve learned.\u003C/strong\u003E If you\u2019ve discovered a brilliant way to recruit new volunteers, a great way to help young people learn or found a super new game, don\u2019t keep it to yourself. Tell other groups and share it online.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E44. Let the young people lead. \u003C/strong\u003ERemember, we\u2019re a youth movement, so let the young people take the lead by choosing the activities they want to do at the start of each term. Why not try running a graffiti night? Cover some tables or a wall in paper and ask the young members to write or doodle their ideas for the upcoming term. Don\u2019t forget to share the plan and talk about what\u2019s coming up so there\u2019s always something to look forward to.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E45. Ask your Scouts to come up with a code of conduct together.\u003C/strong\u003E It works much better when you create something together than imposing your set of rules. From listening to the person who is speaking to helping others, it\u2019s all about living the Scout Promise.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E46. Call out bad behaviour.\u003C/strong\u003E If you think someone isn\u2019t reflecting our Scout values, take them to one side and talk it over with them. If you need any support, you can always report anything to your volunteer manager or take\u00A0a look at\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safeguarding-in-the-programme/promoting-positive-behaviour/\u0022 title=\u0022Promoting positive behaviour\u0022\u003EPromoting positive behaviour\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E47. Plan a standout session at least once a term.\u003C/strong\u003E This is the one that Scouts will talk about for weeks to come, and they might even tell their friends outside of Scouts too. Maybe you\u2019ll make water rockets, have a giant bonfire or create a huge treasure hunt!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E48. Go global.\u003C/strong\u003E Take a look at some ideas from Scouts around the world; you could \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Activities\u0022\u003Euse our activity finder\u003C/a\u003E for some inspiration!\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E49. Join in with jamboree.\u003C/strong\u003E The next \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/international-scouts-and-events/international-events/wsj/\u0022 title=\u0022WSJ\u0022\u003EWorld Scout Jamboree\u003C/a\u003E will be in Korea in 2023. Even if you and your Scouts aren\u2019t taking part, find out how you can share in some of the jamboree magic.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E50. Don\u2019t be afraid to borrow.\u003C/strong\u003E Most people will be flattered if you borrow some of their ideas. Always ask them first before using their idea, and don\u2019t be afraid to add your own twist too.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17302/db-20210611-15358-8778min.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A male Cub Scout is stood outside with their leader in a background wearing a mask. The cub is playing a game, he stood sideways on to the camera, and he has his arms at his side. He looks very confident and focused whilst having fun.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E51. Divide and conquer. \u003C/strong\u003ENo one can run Scouts by themselves. Divvy up the tasks with your other volunteers, but make sure everyone gets their fair share of fun ones, like handing out badges, and less-fun ones, like cleaning the loo!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E52. Ask for help.\u003C/strong\u003E No one will think any less of you. It takes courage to ask for help, whether that\u2019s from a fellow leader, volunteer manager or mentor. Ask young people to help out too; you could assign weekly tasks to different members.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E53. Be kind.\u003C/strong\u003E Who knows what people have been through before coming to the meeting? Be kind to others, and be kind to yourself too. Make sure you enjoy the programme just as much as the young people do and don\u2019t take on too much. You should be having fun too!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E54. Create some breathing space.\u003C/strong\u003E Young people might have had a hectic day at school or college. Why not plan in some time to be mindful with some yoga or breathing exercises? You could also create a space each week where people can take a quiet break from the activity if needed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E55. Invest in ear defenders. \u003C/strong\u003ESometimes the meetings can get a little noisy for some of our members, so having ear defenders on hand can help everyone feel more comfortable.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E56. Be a friend to all.\u003C/strong\u003E By being kind and approachable, you set the tone for your group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E57. Talk to someone. \u003C/strong\u003EIf you\u2019re having a tough time at Scouts, or in another part of your life, don\u2019t bottle it up. A problem shared is a problem halved, so talk to your volunteer manager in confidence. Remember, you will get through to the other side of the issue you\u2019re facing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E58. Take a week off.\u003C/strong\u003E Feeling burnt out? Why not ask your volunteer manager or another volunteer to step in while you recharge with a hot bath?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E59. Celebrate difference.\u003C/strong\u003E We\u2019re proud to welcome people from every background into Scouts - let\u2019s keep doing it. From Pride and Remembrance to Black History Month and Diwali, use our \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Activities\u0022\u003Eactivity finder\u003C/a\u003E to help mark a range of events throughout the year.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E60. Be inclusive and accessible.\u003C/strong\u003E Have a look at our \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/\u0022 title=\u0022Inclusion and Diversity\u0022\u003Epractical tips on how you can make your group inclusive and accessible\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E. You could also look into our grant funding to make sure everyone in your group is supported in the best way possible.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17308/dsc_9788_mmpmin.png","width":6459,"height":4311,"altText":"A Squirrel boy is sat down in a meeting place. He has a big grin and is using google eyes to cover up his own eyes. He is wearing a grey jumper with a black, red and yellow necker.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E61. Smile in the face of difficulty.\u003C/strong\u003E This was one of our Robert Baden-Powell\u2019s favourite bits of advice. He also recommended whistling\u003Cspan\u003E,\u003C/span\u003E although let\u2019s face it, that can get annoying after a while.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E62. Never give up.\u003C/strong\u003E This is one of our Chief Scout\u2019s favourite sayings. You can have a whole day, week or even a year full of setbacks, and if you keep getting back up again, you\u2019ll get there in the end.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E63. Look back.\u003C/strong\u003E Take time to learn more about the story of Scouts, and be inspired by how it grew from an experimental camp for 20 young people to today\u2019s worldwide movement of 57 million members. We must be doing something right.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E64. Be true to yourself.\u003C/strong\u003E This might be something we\u2019ve stolen from Shakespeare, but it\u2019s as relevant today as ever. Bring your whole, authentic self to Scouts, and people will respond to your openness and honesty.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E65. Find a mentor.\u003C/strong\u003E This could be a leader from another group, or someone not even connected with Scouts. Just someone who\u003Cspan\u003E\u2019\u003C/span\u003Ell listen and give you the best advice they can.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E66. Celebrate little wins.\u003C/strong\u003E If a Scout has just learnt how to light a fire with a flint and steel for the first time, make it a big thing. The feel good factor is everything, and don\u2019t forget to tell their parents too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E67. Do your best. \u003C/strong\u003ENobody\u2019s perfect and nobody expects you to be.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E68. Give people a shout-out. \u003C/strong\u003EIf someone\u2019s done something amazing\u003Cspan\u003E,\u003C/span\u003E then mention it at the meeting. You could start having a Scout of the Week for those who have demonstrated our core beliefs well. Remember, offer praise in public, but give guidance and advice in a quieter setting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E69. Share the joy. \u003C/strong\u003EParents and guardians love to see what their children have been doing. Some leaders choose to make a little video during the meeting and share it that same evening via a private Facebook group. However, don\u2019t forget to have \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-life-issues-and-young-people/digital-safeguarding/photography-video-and-audio-recording-at-scout-events/\u0022 title=\u0022Photography, video and audio recording at Scout events\u0022\u003Ephoto permission forms\u003C/a\u003E signed first.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E70. Make time to reflect.\u003C/strong\u003E Sometimes we charge through a meeting without thinking about what skills we\u2019ve learned. Take some time at the end of your meeting or activity to ask people what they learned and how they feel.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17309/db-20210611-15096-8516min.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A Cub group is playing a running game outside their meeting place on a playground. There are two girl Cubs playing the game. The girl in the foreground is wearing an orange t-shirt and is looking over her shoulder as she runs. The girl in the background is wearing her green Cub top and looks ready to start running.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E71. Think of others before yourself.\u003C/strong\u003E You\u2019re already doing this by volunteering for Scouts but think about how you can help your team rather than how they can help you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E72. Talk to other volunteers.\u003C/strong\u003E They might have fantastic stories, advice and ideas from years of experience. Don\u2019t forget, by the age of 24 someone might have 10 years\u2019 worth of knowledge from being a young leader!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E73. Think about the difference you make\u003C/strong\u003E to young people\u2019s lives. You\u2019re not just making a difference for this week, but you\u2019re inspiring them for their years, and careers, ahead.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E74. Ask for opinions.\u003C/strong\u003E Talk to your other volunteers when you need to decide on something. Not only will you get a different perspective, but it also shows them that you value their input too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E75. Aim to be the most cheerful person in the room. \u003C/strong\u003EIf everyone else is moaning, be the one who isn\u2019t. This applies in all aspects of life, not just in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E76. Listen more than you speak. \u003C/strong\u003ETake the time to get to know your group as individuals and keep listening to their thoughts and ideas.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E77. Try sending a card. \u003C/strong\u003EYoung people love to receive post. Why not write cards to your group at the end of each term? You could include a memory of what they\u2019ve achieved so far in Scouts or tell them how proud you are of them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E78. Boost your CV.\u003C/strong\u003E Look into how you can \u003Ca href=\u0022/scouts-and-employability/\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts and employability\u0022\u003Euse your volunteering experience to help you in your career\u003C/a\u003E. Don\u2019t forget to add those key skills, such as time management, working with young people and organisation, to your next application.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E79. Run a \u2018#GoodForYou\u2019 recruitment campaign.\u003C/strong\u003E Use \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Brand Centre\u0022\u003Eour resources\u003C/a\u003E to run a campaign showing how volunteering is good for your skills and CV, your local community, and your health and happiness too. Why not try a shout-out in a local Facebook community group?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E80. See how someone else does it. \u003C/strong\u003EAsk to see if you can sit in on someone else\u2019s meeting, such as your local Guides, Army Cadets or even another volunteer\u2019s group for your section. What tips can you pick up along the way?\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17301/db-20210611-14854-8274min.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"Four Beavers are gathered round a table, and they are counting money. The young boy and girl, whose faces we can see, look very excited and have big smiles.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E81. Recruit some Young Leaders. \u003C/strong\u003ENot only will you be supporting the volunteers of the future, but you\u2019ll be also getting an extra pair of helping hands too. Give them a job to do right away so they feel valued and needed and if you use names, such as \u003Cspan\u003EA\u003C/span\u003Ekela,\u0026nbsp;make sure they get one too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E82. Create a great culture.\u003C/strong\u003E Your smile and positivity count for so much. It\u2019s about the atmosphere that you create just as much as the activities that you run. Our supportive, non-competitive and friendly environment helps our young members to grow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E83. Be a role model.\u003C/strong\u003E Remember, Scouts are watching what you do and listening to what you say, even if you think they\u2019re looking the other way. You\u2019re a role model, so in the words of that great philosopher Spider-Man, \u2018with great power comes great responsibility.\u2019\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E84. Create a warm welcome\u003C/strong\u003E. Have a chat before their first meeting about their interests, skills and motivations for volunteering, so you have an idea of what they might enjoy doing from the get-go. Find out more here about \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Keeping amazing volunteers\u0022\u003Ehow to give an amazing welcome.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E85. Have email templates that are ready to go \u003C/strong\u003Eand have them saved on your tablet, laptop or even on your phone! It means you can quickly respond to any enquiries with the same friendly welcome each time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E86. Start socialising. \u003C/strong\u003EDon\u2019t forget to make time to get to know other volunteers outside your meetings. You might choose to go climbing, for a walk\u003Cspan\u003E,\u003C/span\u003E or for coffee and cake, but spend time making friends and you\u2019ll find each week a lot more fun.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E87. Bring a friend. \u003C/strong\u003EIf you\u2019re needing to get some new recruits, whether it\u2019s volunteers, young leaders or young people, why not run a bring a friend night and get everyone joining in with the fun?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E88. Widen your circle.\u003C/strong\u003E Join a forum, or get involved with a District, County or National team to share your talents. Remember, we\u2019re all one family of Scouts, and there\u2019s a world beyond your section or group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E89. Put the fun back in to fundraising.\u003C/strong\u003E There\u2019s more to life than bag packing, although we know that\u2019s helped to fund a lot of trips. Why not try an epic virtual challenge instead, such as climbing Everest together by walking up a local hill a few times? By the way, Everest is 8,445 metres high. That\u2019s the equivalent to climbing 17,475 stairs!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E90. Look local. \u003C/strong\u003EWhat could your group do that will really make a difference where you live? Scouts have done incredible things supporting communities across the nation, especially during the pandemic.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17310/male-leader-and-group-of-cubsmin.jpg","width":5000,"height":3333,"altText":"A group of cubs are sat in a circle on the wooden floor of their meeting place. Their male leader is sat in the circle, with his back to the camera. We can see the Scouts logo on the back of his hoodie. They are all sat in the circle talking.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E91. Think small. \u003C/strong\u003ELots of small donations can make a big impact. Look into micro-giving and how it could help your group\u2019s finances.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E92. Get your Gift Aid sorted. \u003C/strong\u003EEvery group is a charity, so they\u2019re able to claim 25% on eligible donations made to them by UK taxpayers. It doesn\u2019t take too long to get set up, and you might be surprised by how much you can claim back\u003Cspan\u003E. Find out more about \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/support-scouts/gift-aid/\u0022 title=\u0022Gift Aid\u0022\u003Eclaiming Gift Aid\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E93. Go green. \u003C/strong\u003EHow can you make Scouts more sustainable? Your Scouts will have some great ideas. Don\u2019t forget that reusing and recycling can save and earn you money.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E94. Share your successes. \u003C/strong\u003EWe can all do with good news stories at the moment. Don\u2019t forget to \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/local-media-and-member-communications/\u0022 title=\u0022Local media and member communications\u0022\u003Eshare yours with local media\u003C/a\u003E. Why not take it as a chance to call out for new volunteers too?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E95. Get behind a cause.\u003C/strong\u003E Find out what your Scouts are passionate about and get them involved in some social action. We\u2019ve got heaps of ideas and support on our \u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/help-others/community/\u0022 title=\u0022A Million Hands\u0022\u003EMillion Hands\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E96. Use your Scout discount. \u003C/strong\u003EYou do great things, and you deserve all the treats and discounts you can get. Find an \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/supporters/?memberOffers=true\u0022 title=\u0022Member offers\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?memberOffers=true\u0022\u003Eup-to-date list\u003C/a\u003E, including deals, at \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://shop.scouts.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scout Store\u0022\u003EScout Store\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E97. Be on brand.\u003C/strong\u003E We\u2019ve got stacks of images, videos, logos and guidance to show that you\u2019re part of the family of UK Scouts. Look at the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Brand Centre\u0022\u003Ebrand centre\u003C/a\u003E.\u003Cspan\u003E \u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E98. Follow us on social media. \u003C/strong\u003EIt\u2019s where we share all the latest news, great ideas and other fun stuff. You can find us on \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://twitter.com/scouts\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Twitter\u0022\u003ETwitter\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.instagram.com/scouts/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Instagram\u0022\u003EInstagram\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.facebook.com/scoutassociation\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts Facebook\u0022\u003EFacebook\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E99. Take a moment. \u003C/strong\u003EAlways stop to look around and appreciate the magic that is happening right in front of you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E100. Remember, you\u2019re amazing.\u003C/strong\u003E You\u2019re already doing something amazing by volunteering for Scouts. So be kind to yourself just do your best. No one can ask for more.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/17311/210510_squirrels_0329min.jpg","width":2000,"height":1334,"altText":"A Scout and Squirrel are stood on a field in the grass, and they are trying to hoola hoop. The Scout has the hoop around his ankles and the Squirrel is trying to hoola hoop around his waist. They are both smiling and having fun.","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"11 April 2022","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Keep your section running smoothly","url":"/volunteers/running-your-section/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Training, development and awards","url":"/volunteers/learning-development-and-awards/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Keeping everybody safe","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/","newWindow":false}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Volunteering opportunities","url":null,"newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Activity Finder","url":"/activities/","newWindow":false},{"caption":"","title":"Brand Centre","url":"https://scoutsbrand.org.uk","newWindow":true}],"id":48703,"nodeName":"100 ways to make volunteering for Scouts better and more enjoyable","title":"100 ways to make volunteering for Scouts better and more enjoyable ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/17292/cad_sco_illustration_2000x1600min.png?cc=0,0.13895833333333335,0,0.15756510416666661\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dab7ff87e20110","caption":"100 ways blog - Courtney Ahn","type":"png","size":155837,"width":2001,"height":1600,"altText":"An illustration of a group of Scouts with an adult volunteer. They are on a green background and walking together. They are wearing their neckers and bright clothing and they are all smiling. They are celebrating, with a girl is dancing to music, another girl is reading, a boy is holding a flower and another boy is carrying a large cake."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"100 ways to make volunteering for Scouts better and more enjoyable ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"Scouting makes such a difference to people\u0027s lives. Here are our 100 ways to make volunteering for Scouts better and more enjoyable.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80ODcwMyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2022/april/scouts100ways/"}