Volunteers
All you need to know about Scouting as an Adult
Scouting may be about Youths, but it doesn’t mean it is only for Youths.
Volunteer Adult Leaders are the backbone of the organisation. Even our Chief Commissioner and all the other Commissioners are volunteers!
Adults plan the youth programmes, run meetings, guide young individuals, organise games, supervise activities, chart out policies. They may be bankers, lawyers, doctors, clerks, scientists, engineers professionally, but they are all friends, mentors, and figures of inspiration for the youth.
These are the people who make everything happen.
They are all Leaders who make a direct, positive and lasting impact on youth development.
Common questions answered
What requirements or qualifications are needed?
Aside from age requirements, there are no special skills or qualifications that you need to volunteer as a Leader. We believe that everyone has something to share, to teach, and to learn. All we ask is that you believe in the Purpose and Mission of Scouting, and are willing to affirm yourself by the ideals of the Scout Promise and Law. An interest in the outdoors and a keen sense of adventure would be nice, as well as an love of working with youths.
How much commitment does it involve?
It’s all up to you. How much time and energy you invest into being an Adult Leader depends on how much you’re willing to spend. There is no ‘too little’ to give.
However, like everything worth doing, you must be prepared to invest time and energy into Scouting. Outside the weekly meetings, there will also be additional activities and projects which you will want to take part in. Scouting is a non-formal educational movement, and all the time you spend in Scouting will not be wasted. More importantly, Scouting is a way of life, a promise you keep to yourself once you’ve made it. As the saying goes, ‘Once a Scout, Always a Scout!’
What are the different ways in which I can volunteer?
The most common appointment for Adult Leaders is that of a Unit Leader (more info: Leaders). It usually requires weekly commitment (or when meetings take place). Leaders are responsible for planning programmes and activities for their sections, and are entrusted with the smooth running of their units with the support of other Leaders in the section.
Other capacities you can volunteer in are that of an Adult Leader (Auxiliary Leader), helping out with a local Group on an ad-hoc basis, and as an Adult Leader attached to Headquarters on national projects and administration.
Will I receive any training?
Yes. Aside from on-the-job training, all Adult Leaders are strongly encouraged to attend the Induction and Wood Badge Courses that would lead you to the gaining of the Wood Badge, which is an internationally-recognised symbol of the completion of Scout leadership training. This training is organised at the National-level, and includes modules on Scouting fundamentals, international Scouting, counselling, communication skills, leadership and management, and Scoutcraft (more info: Training).
Do I need to wear a uniform?
Yes, if you are a Unit Leader, as Unit Leaders are uniformed appointments. The types and placement of badges on the Adult Leader uniform differs from that of the youth. Leaders also wear ranked epaulettes (more info: Ranks & Epaulettes).
What are the benefits?
Perhaps the most important benefit that is not immediately apparent is that you have joined a world wide fellowship of 28.6 million people who are all on the path to doing good deeds.
Developing the character of the youth gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to make moral and ethical decisions.
Through mingling with the youth, you might pick up on things your children or other children around you are facing and thus be able to act on it much faster than you could have in the past.
You would be a shining role model for the youth because to teach is to touch lives forever.
This is not to mention that you would leave a legacy behind and not just in your own children but in the youth who would one day become the leaders of the next generation.
How much does it cost?
The annual registration fees is S$12 for Rovers and Adult Leaders. Life Membership costs S$120.
A set of uniform should cost no more than S$100.
How do I join?
Contact us through the online form in the first instance, giving us some information about how you would like to volunteer, your availability, preferred area (where do you live?) and any other comments and queries you may have. We’ll then be in touch.
