Do I really have the skills you need?
1st Malmesbury (King Athelstan) Scout Group has over 70 adult volunteers and not all are adventurers like Bear Grylls. Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways.
What if I don't have that much spare time?
Volunteering with us is easy, fun and flexible – how much time you give is completely up to you. Whether you help out every week, once a fortnight, month or term or just at special events or camps, there is bound to be a role you can play, and no matter how you get involved, we'll make sure you're properly trained and supported.
What will I get out of volunteering?
As well as gaining externally recognised skills and building on personal skills, like teamwork, confidence and leadership, there is a social event every term for adult volunteers. A study found that over 90% of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have been of relevance to their working or personal lives.
Do the children of volunteers get priority on the waiting list?
The short answer is yes. Many of our helpers and leaders are parents of our youth members because they’ve seen firsthand how Scouting benefits young people and want to give something back. It’s also a chance to spend more time with your children and learn new skills. Speak to your child’s leader to discuss how you might become involved.
Are there any age restrictions on helping out?
As long as you're over 18, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers. If you are aged between 14 to 18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader.
Are there any vacancies?
We are always looking for people to help out. Take a look at our current vacancies.
When can my child join Scouting?
Starting age for Beavers is usually 6, but this will depend upon the Scout Group’s own waiting list policies. Looking ahead, children can join Cubs from around the age of 8 and Scouts from 10 and a half. Explorer Scouting starts at 14 and runs until Scouts are 18.
How much does it cost?
The subscription is payable at the start of the term. If your child is joining 1st Malmesbury (King Athelstan) Scout Group for the first time (rather than moving from one section to another) then there is a joining fee to cover the cost of the necker and badges. We give new joiners a few weeks to see if they enjoy it before asking you to pay the subscription. The Subscriptions help to cover the cost of renting the St Mary’s Hall, Capitation (Scout Insurance) and things like badges and materials for activities carried out at the regular meetings. Some other activities such as camps may incur extra costs. The joining fee covers the cost of neckerchiefs, badges etc. If at any point paying for either subscription or for activities becomes an issue, please speak to one of the leaders.
How will my child benefit from joining Scouts?
Parents tell us their children benefit hugely from the adventures, fun and friendships they experience. It can help develop your child’s social skills and independence, and give them access to some amazing and memorable opportunities.
Why do you have a waiting list?
Due to a shortage of volunteers there are currently 30,000 young people waiting to join the Scouts. If you want to get your child into the Scouts then why not help out? Whatever your skills and availability, there will be some way you can contribute, meaning more young people get to experience the adventure of Scouting.
How do I apply for a place?
The first step is to get on the waiting list. Priority is given to children of adult volunteers so if you want to get to the front of the queue then why not help out? Whatever your skills and availability, there will be some way you can contribute, meaning more young people from Malmesbury get to experience the adventure of Scouting.
Try a wide range of activities
From archery to skateboarding to camping, being a Scout gives you the chance to get stuck into loads of activities you wouldn’t normally get to do.
Make new friends
Going to your Scout meetings is a chance to meet up with your mates, have a laugh and do lots of exciting activities. You'll meet adventurous people just like you who want to do something a little different.
Have fun
Chief Scout Bear Grylls says life is about grabbing opportunities! We agree! Above everything else, Scouting is all about enjoying yourself, whatever you're doing – and there'll always be plenty to do!
Get outdoors
As a Scout, you get to explore the countryside around Malmesbury and further afield. You’ll travel to new places and try new things. Sounds better than being stuck in the house with nothing to do, right?
Learn exciting things
Not many people know how to shoot an air rifle, make a raft or cook a pizza in a oven made out of a dustbin, but you soon will! Scouting helps you learn lots of new and amazing skills – and you get to earn badges and rewards along the way.