The most important aspect of parent involvement is the encouragement you give to your child. The young people who get the most out of Scouting are those who put the most into it. All children have times when they need encouragement, and certainly times when they need some help.

This is where you come in.

Scouts SA is a fully voluntary organisation. The Leaders all have full daytime commitments like yourself. Other than the time at the meeting nights, they all spend many hours preparing for the various activities, keeping up with training requirements, and many other activities behind the scenes.

The support given will depend on the individual circumstances of each family. Areas in which regular help is needed are:

Transport

Occasionally transporting the children to various activities included in our program.

Working Bees

The Scout Hall and surrounding property need regular maintenance to ensure the facility is kept in good repair and that our members and tenants are in a safe and pleasant environment. The Committee organises Working Bees when this work needs to be done. Help from parents is greatly appreciated, especially in specialised skills like electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, or carpentry.

Assisting on meeting nights

Some activities are better and safer with an extra pair of hands, eyes, and ears. If we call for a little extra help, it is good to know that there are parents willing to assist!

Sometimes our groups will have a roster as we require additional help each night to ensure we can maintain an effective adult/child ratio. It is usual that two parents are on a roster to assist with each meeting.

Group Support Committee

The Committee’s main function is to support the Leaders to ensure that we have an active and healthy group. The committee:

• controls group finance,
• maintains the hall and grounds,
• completes submissions for special funding, organizes fundraising and social activities,
• seeks potential leaders,
• promotes the Group and Scouting in community to ensure growth in membership.

The Committee is elected at an Annual General Meeting. Members are required to attend meetings each month to plan and develop activities with the Leader in charge. Visitors are welcome.

The Committee includes a chairperson, treasurer, and secretary.

Joining the Committee is one of the ways in which interested parents can support their child’s Scouting without the weekly commitment of being a Leader. It is also a good way to get to know other parents and Leaders, and to find out what is happening in the Group.

Becoming a Volunteer Leader in Scouting

Most Leaders in Scouting are adults responsible for the delivery of the Youth Program. These Leaders undertake fun activities with young people, usually on a weekly basis. As a Leader of Youth, you work with your team to support young people learn new skills through the Scout method. This means that young people lead and the adults support.

Delivering the Youth Program can be very rewarding! Plus, Scouting gives you access to accredited training to support you on your journey.

Leaders of Youth told us what they enjoy about their experience:

• You get to meet such a diverse group of people through Scouting.
• Scouting teaches a sense of community.
• Just get up and out into nature and fresh air!
• The more energy that you put in, the most you get out of it!
• Scouting is one big family.

Learn new skills, enjoy adventure, and meet new friends while making a difference to young people in your community.

Finally, a reminder that all our Leaders happily volunteer their time to Scouting and your child – please ensure your child is respectful and responsive to all Leaders at all times.