{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"We can all make a difference to those around us while spending time outside. Here are our favourite 10 budget-friendly ways to volunteer throughout the year to get your outdoors.","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s a new year, and we\u2019re encouraging everyone to make more time for being outside.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBut, what about making a change that\u2019ll leave a lasting impact on the world around you beyond 2024?\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese activities are not only loads of fun, but also perfect for giving back and unleashing the local community superhero in you!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/aden2fxf/a-volunteer-putting-up-bunting-at-a-local-eventmin.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"A volunteer wearing a t-shirt that says Baloo is putting up bunting of UK flags in a marquee.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1. Host a DIY plant pot party:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESpruce up your community with potted plants! Decorate inexpensive plant pots or planters, then grow some bright, wildlife-friendly flowers.\u0026nbsp; You could distribute the plants to your neighbours and watch your community blossom. Take a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?p=1\u0026amp;name=gardening\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?p=1\u0026amp;name=gardening\u0022\u003Egardening activities\u003C/a\u003E for inspiration. You could even make and use\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-upcycled-planters/\u0022 title=\u0022Get growing with recycled planters\u0022\u003Eupcycled planters\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/give-out-seed-packets-to-your-local-community/\u0022 title=\u0022Give out seed packets to your local community\u0022\u003Egive out seeds.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2. Make a wildlife friendly space:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECreate a haven for wildlife in your community. Host a day building animal homes, such as hedgehog homes,\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/build-a-bug-house/\u0022 title=\u0022Bug-ingham palace\u0022\u003Einsect houses\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/build-a-bee-hotel/\u0022 title=\u0022Make a bee hotel\u0022\u003Ebee hotels\u003C/a\u003E, \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/build-a-birdhouse/\u0022 title=\u0022Community birdhouses\u0022\u003Ebird boxes\u003C/a\u003E and bat houses.\u0026nbsp;You could also make animal feeders, such as \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-brilliant-bird-feeders/\u0022 title=\u0022Feed the birds\u0022\u003Ebird feeders\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/feed-the-butterflies/\u0022 title=\u0022Feed the butterflies\u0022\u003Ebutterfly feeders\u003C/a\u003E, or plant wildlife-friendly flowers in local green spaces.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/18273/beaver-painting-birdhouse.jpg","width":7000,"height":4667,"altText":"A Beaver in a yellow top and necker focused on painting a birdhouse.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3. Picnic in the park:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOrganise picnics on warmer days in local parks for those who may be in need or feeling lonely. Ask any who can to prepare simple, budget-friendly snacks or lunches to share. You could also plan some games and activities for those attending, or just offer a space to chat.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4. Create a community scavenger hunt:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPut together a nature scavenger hunt where local families and friends can explore the outdoors, while searching for hidden treasures. You could hide painted wooden fairy doors, hide letters on to spell out a word, or create a trail of laminate clues for people to follow and find.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5. Spread the love with seedballs:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETransform dull spaces by making\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/make-some-wildflower-seed-balls/\u0022 title=\u0022Make some wildflower seed balls\u0022\u003Eseed balls\u003C/a\u003E using water, soil and wildflower seeds. Organise a session to throw these eco-friendly balls into areas with landowner\u2019s permission, turning them into blooming meadows that bring colour to your community.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Make a beach toy library:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGive everyone the ultimate beach adventure by crafting a treasure chest of toys in a \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/little-libraries/\u0022 title=\u0022Little libraries\u0022\u003Elittle beach library\u003C/a\u003E. Pack a waterproof box full of toys, such as buckets, spades, tennis balls and sand moulds, then create a sign so everyone knows they can be used. Remember to ask for them to be returned, so the seaside excitement can be shared again and again.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/pasfj3pf/a-scout-carrying-spades-at-a-local-community-projectmin.png","width":7023,"height":4687,"altText":"A Scout in a purple and yellow necker carries two spades.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E7. Stargaze for charity:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBe inspired by the beauty of the night sky and organise \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-stargazing/\u0022 title=\u0022Eyes to the skies\u0022\u003Estargazing\u003C/a\u003E events. Invite astronomy enthusiasts to share their knowledge and charge a small fee, with all proceeds going to charitable causes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E8. Outdoor photography for conservation:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOrganise \u003Ca href=\u0022/activities/go-on-a-photography-nature-hunt/\u0022 title=\u0022Go on a photography nature hunt\u0022\u003Ephotography\u003C/a\u003E events in scenic spots, showcasing the wonders of the outdoors. You can then sell prints or host exhibitions to fundraise for conservation efforts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E9. Host a kayak cleanup:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGrab a paddle and go on a \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/kayaking/\u0022 title=\u0022Kayaking\u0022\u003Ekayak\u003C/a\u003E cleanup to protect aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes or beaches, by collecting floating litter. Why not turn it into a competition to make it even more exciting? Take a look at our\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance-a-z/kayaking/\u0022 title=\u0022Kayaking\u0022\u003Ekayaking guidelines\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou should always wear gloves and use bin bags while collecting litter. You may want to tie litter bags to kayaks or paddles to stop them floating away.\u0026nbsp;Always have landowner permission, have a safe place to recycle or dispose of litter, and wash hands and equipment afterwards.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E10. Make a community mural masterpiece:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUnleash your artistic side by creating a community mural. Remember to get landowner permission, then transform a dull wall into vibrant expressions of community identity and pride. You could even use it to promote community heroes or even your local Scouts.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EThank you!\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdventure awaits, and so do countless budget-friendly opportunities to make a difference in your local great outdoors.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEvery small act of kindness counts and, together as Scouts, we can create ripples of change.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, you don\u0027t need a lot to leave a lasting imprint; sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity and a whole lot of heart.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/21263/a-girl-wearing-a-necker-and-putting-a-planter-togethermin.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"A Scout in a grey and red necker puts together a planter outside.","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Check out our safety guidance","body":"\u003Cp\u003EAll activities must be safely managed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou need to complete a \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessments\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Staying Safe - Leaders\u0022\u003Esafety checklist\u003C/a\u003E to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Erisk assessment\u003C/a\u003E, including examples.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways get \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/general-activity-guidance/approving-activities-guidance-for-commissioners/\u0022 title=\u0022Approving Activities - Guidance for Commissioners\u0022\u003Eapproval for the activity\u003C/a\u003E, have suitable \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/planning-and-assessing-risk/guidance-for-supervision-of-activities/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Guidance for supervision of activities\u0022\u003Esupervision\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and an \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/intouch/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to check the safety information for each activity, including what safety equipment and permits you\u2019ll need.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you\u2019ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you\u2019re short on helpers. Don\u2019t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Staying safe and safeguarding","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Staying safe","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"14 December 2023","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"How Scouts help others","url":"/about-us/our-campaigns/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Join Scouts","url":"/groups/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Volunteer with Scouts","url":null,"newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Outdoor in 24","url":null,"newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Community Impact Staged Badge","url":"/staged-badges/community-impact/","newWindow":true}],"id":78187,"nodeName":"10 ways to volunteer outdoors in 2024","title":"10 ways to volunteer outdoors in 2024","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/pasfj3pf/a-scout-carrying-spades-at-a-local-community-projectmin.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dae4e1e79dbd60","caption":"Scout carrying spades at local community project","type":"png","size":15938149,"width":7023,"height":4687,"altText":"A Scout in a purple and yellow necker carries two spades."},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"10 ways to volunteer outdoors in 2024","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"It\u2019s a new year and we\u2019re encouraging everyone to make more time for being outside by taking action in their local community.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83ODE4NyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2024/january/10-ways-to-volunteer-outdoors-in-2024/"}