Volunteer with Scouts

Pause for a moment...

When you think of Scouts, what springs to mind?

Bob-a-job?

Cubs in shorts?

Camping?

Knots and fire-lighting?

We’d bet at least one of these popped up – and while they’re familiar, they’re just stereotypes. Scouting today is so much more. It’s about preparing young people with skills for life, supported by incredible volunteers who deliver an exciting, modern programme.

Sure, some traditions remain, like lighting fires and mastering knots, but Scouts has evolved. Bob-a-job ended years ago, and shorts disappeared from the Scout uniform in the 1960s (Cubs followed in the 1980s). Girls have been part of Scouting since 1991, and since 2021, 4-to-6 year-olds can join Squirrels!

In Portsmouth, Scouting is thriving. Across 24 Groups and Units, more than 1,300 young people aged 4 to 25 are discovering new skills, having adventures, and making lifelong memories.

Portsmouth Scouts was even among the first in the UK to launch Squirrels!!

And everything we do is powered by volunteers – local people like you who believe in creating opportunities for all.

So no, you won’t hear Cubs chanting “dyb, dyb, dyb” or Scouts singing Ging Gang Gooli anymore – that’s so last century. But you will hear girls and boys laughing, see young people tackling challenges, and witness them grow into confident, capable individuals ready to make a difference.

Scouts is where tradition meets today – with adventure, teamwork, and fun at its heart. Could you see yourself being part of that?

Here’s Where You Come In

To keep all this going, we need more volunteers. Whether you’ve got an hour a week or a few hours a month, your skills, energy, and enthusiasm can make a difference.

Fancy helping out at a meeting
Have a knack for organising or fundraising?
Want to share a skill - like coding, cooking, or crafting?

We’d love to hear from you.

Click here to help children discover their ‘thing’: from abseiling to coding to performance art & everything in between.

No previous experience with young people? No problem.

Whether you'd like to help out week-after-week or whenever-you-can, we provide training, learning opportunities and cups of tea – every step of the way.

Volunteering is two way

Volunteering’s not just about giving back – it goes both ways. It improves your wellbeing, gives you skills for the future, and helps you make new friends (and memories).

All our activities are run by volunteers, who might join us because they want to:

Try something new
Make friends
Spend time with their children – or gain experience with young people
Do something good for their community and themselves
Keep their bodies and brains active and happy – whether that's by scaling mountains, sharing skills or serving tea

All end up making a huge difference to young people's lives – gifting them with skills for life, and learning a whole lot about themselves along the way.

A word about costs

There are no direct costs for volunteering with Scouts other than if you choose to buy adult uniform. Many Groups will reimburse expenses for uniform - speak to a Group or Section lead volunteer for more information.

Keeping young people safe

The first night away from home. The first hike. The first trip abroad.

All of these moments are great for developing young people’s confidence, but we know how daunting it can be for the one packing their overnight bag and waving them off at the gates. And we know it doesn’t necessarily get easier as they grow. Young people thrive in secure surroundings, at home and away. Wherever we go, we’re serious about keeping them safe. Find out more at scouts.org.uk/information-for-parents/stay-safe/

Get in touch

Ready to join Scouts in Portsmouth as a volunteer?
Just want to find out a bit more first?

Use the links below to register your interest as a volunteer, explore Scouting or locate a group near to you. Still got a question? Email our friendly team at info@portsmouthscouts.org.uk

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