{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Ian Browning, Programme Delivery Executive (Early Years)","standfirst":"Parents and carers are an incredible resource. Here, we will explore the benefits that parent and carer helpers offer your group, and share some of our top tips on welcoming and engaging them into Scouts.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EWhether they\u2019re aware or not, parents and carers are the first and most influential teacher in their child\u2019s life. They\u2019re truly instrumental in early years\u2019 development.\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233117\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:240,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003EThey can bring so much enthusiasm, ideas and creativity to your group, becoming a valuable team member long-term.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-contrast=\u0022auto\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan data-ccp-props=\u0022{\u0026quot;134233117\u0026quot;:true,\u0026quot;201341983\u0026quot;:0,\u0026quot;335559739\u0026quot;:240,\u0026quot;335559740\u0026quot;:240}\u0022\u003E\u00A0\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/21152/two-children-holding-hands-looking-at-camera.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Pair of friends at Scouts","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe power of parents and carers\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhether it\u2019s reading a story, giving out drinks, running a game or offering support to those who need it most, there\u2019s lots of ways parent and carer volunteers could offer extra support when needed during the session.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEven once or twice a term, the extra helper can make all the difference. They may allow you to run the map reading session in smaller groups or have the ratios covered to go to the local park.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s not just weekly in-person meetings that the power of parents and carers can be utilised. They might be able to help at home doing the accounts or social media. Or they could use their skills to run a football or dance session or cook breakfast on camp. They might even opt to drive the minibus.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022ui-provider fz b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\u0022\u003EJust by having a chat and offering a friendly smile, you may be able to find out where their experience lies, as well as understanding their skillsets that you could use within a session.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe benefits of parents and carers\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022ui-provider fz b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\u0022\u003EDespite a common misconception that a young person may be held back in socialising with others or may be more shy with their parent or carer at a session\u003C/span\u003E, research we recently ran with the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) suggested that as the weeks go by, young people show more independence if their parents or carers come along.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome young people may just lack the confidence to begin with, so just having their parent or carer at a session may be the support they need to engage fully in their journey with Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey may already know some of their child\u2019s friends in the section, too. They may already be a familiar face from the school playground. This experience can be invaluable, a parent or carer being there can make the first session a bit less scary. It helps to tackle any first day nerves when someone already knows them as somebody else\u2019s mum, dad, or grandma.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMost importantly, they\u2019re familiar in the needs of their child, which means they\u2019re likely going to be in tune with the needs of the other young people.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis might mean they\u2019re good at spotting when someone\u2019s upset or feeling lonely, or they may know what to say to help camp homesickness as their own child had felt the same way.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOr, equally, if their young person tells them they want a snack, it might mean snack time for the full group!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/21133/leaders-and-squirrels-sitting-in-circle-on-grass.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Volunteers in a circle with a group","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy parents and carers should volunteer for Scouts\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are so many benefits for parents and carers in Scouts, too.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENot only are they able to build stronger relationships with their children by spending quality time together, but they\u2019ll also get another insight into their child\u2019s life.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThey\u2019ll see how their child socialises and how they learn best.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA parent or carer who understands how their child learns will have a far better idea on how they can support them at home. Scouts gives them the opportunity to find out about how their child picks up new skills in a way that they may not have through school.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe recently interviewed parents and carer helpers as part of our research with CREC.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt was clear that some of the new volunteers had boosted their confidence so much that they were able to lead a session after just a few months.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOthers had also found new jobs because of their experience with Scouts, using the new skills they\u2019d developed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, parents and carers are the best promoters of Scouts, especially for word of mouth. Their experiences will be heard by everyone that they talk to, which can often lead to the recruitment of new volunteers and young people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/19191/squirrels-hugging.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Squirrels smiling with their arms out","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETop tips for welcoming parents and carers into Scouts\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFirst things first, get to know them.\u003C/strong\u003E Making time for a quick chat helps you to get to know parents and carers, while also letting them build up their confidence and trust in you. \u003Cspan class=\u0022ui-provider fz b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\u0022\u003EYou can also find out how they could help you, by understanding their job, hobbies, interests or skillsets.\u003C/span\u003E These questions could lead to them helping run a session on their favourite sport or set up a group visit to a fire station.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMake your parents and carers feel part of Scouts.\u003C/strong\u003E Particularly for Squirrels, around 50% of the volunteers are parents or carers. More importantly, the majority are new to Scouts. It\u2019s important to engage and show parents and carers in what Scouts do to get them involved and wanting to take part. You could do this by taking photos, welcoming people to stay and watch, or telling them what you\u2019re doing each week.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBring people together.\u003C/strong\u003E You could run a joint family session, have a family campfire, run a family community impact project, or have a big family event at the end of term to get everyone celebrating Scouts. It\u2019s a great way to bring people in and let them have fun.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKnow the impact.\u003C/strong\u003E If we can make them feel welcome, engaged parents and carers should have positive impact for other sections in a Group. Parents and carers may end up moving their volunteer role with their child, backfilling any gaps in the volunteer numbers in older sections.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDirectly ask your parents and carers if they want to be involved.\u003C/strong\u003E Our recent research with CREC showed 57% of parents and carers had never been asked whether they wanted to volunteer. 12% said they would be interested. Sometimes keeping it simple is the best way. You could send out a letter home or set up a parent and carer rota and see who says yes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAsk for specific skills and roles you need. \u003C/strong\u003EParents and carers might be more engaged if they know you need an accountant, a camp chef, someone to run a football session or a helper on trip, as well how much time each role will take. It makes it less daunting; they know they\u2019ve the required skills and may feel more comfortable taking the first step.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShow a range of activities. \u003C/strong\u003EPeople may be a bit worried that they don\u2019t know how to put a tent up, but that\u2019s not everything we do in Scouts. Remember to tell everyone about the arts and crafts, games, science and baking you do, alongside key camp and outdoor skills, such as campfires and tying knots. There\u2019s something for everyone!\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBe flexible and move slowly.\u003C/strong\u003E Always take time to find out a new volunteer\u2019s strengths and their confidence level. It\u0027s important to be flexible and let them go at their own pace. You could offer for them to stay and watch for a few sessions, before asking whether they\u2019d like to lead a short game or give out badges. Never put pressure on anyone or make them do something they don\u2019t feel comfortable with.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPromote ways people can help from home.\u003C/strong\u003E Parents and carers could manage accounts, take up some of the administration, or even help with session planning. Make it clear that they\u2019ve the chance to developing new skills, too. They\u2019ll develop teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership skills, as well as confidence, all of which are great additions to a CV.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep it safe. \u003C/strong\u003EMake sure you understand how the type or frequency of volunteering would make it essential for a parent helper to have to get a criminal records check, by looking at\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/16-adult-roles/#16.7.2\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#16.7.2\u0022\u003E16.7.2.2 of POR.\u003C/a\u003E Be up front about what vetting and a criminal records check will involve.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s clear that parent and carer helpers are an incredible resource that we should be using and making the most of in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019re looking to include more parents and carers in your group, look at our \u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/\u0022\u003EGrowing Scouts\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E resources for helpful guidance and advice.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Volunteer with Scouts","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer/volunteering-with-scouts/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Find a volunteering opportunity","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-enquiry-form/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Discover what volunteers do","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteer/volunteering-with-scouts/what-do-volunteers-do/","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Grow your Group and get the most out of the Scouts experience","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Get more volunteers involved","url":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/get-more-volunteers-involved/","newWindow":true}],"id":76168,"nodeName":"How and why you should use parents and carers at Scouts","title":"How and why you should use parents and carers at Scouts ","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/21133/leaders-and-squirrels-sitting-in-circle-on-grass.jpg?cc=0.0000000000000001263187085796,0.06666190510201654,0,0.08964835845058677\u0026width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dadf67f74068f0","caption":"Volunteers and Squirrels sitting in circle on grass","type":"jpg","size":1249286,"width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"Volunteers and Squirrels in red jumpers and yellow neckers sitting in circle on grass"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"How and why you should use parents and carers at Scouts ","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NjE2OCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2023/july/how-and-why-you-should-use-parents-and-carers-at-scouts/"}