Becoming a Scout Leader is full of wonderful benefits, including personal growth and wellbeing, the opportunity to spend time in the great outdoors and the chance to help your local community by helping young people develop practical life skills. It’s an extremely rewarding role, but how does someone become a Scout Leader?
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to become a Scout Leader:
Find a local group
You don’t need to have been a Scout to become a Scout Leader, as the community welcomes adult volunteers with no previous experience. Adult leaders are fully supported to develop the organisational and outdoor skills needed to lead a group. The main requirements needed to become a Scout Leader are being over the age of 18, successfully completing the mandatory background checks and training and having the enthusiasm and willingness to support young people.
To find a local group, use the official Scouts Volunteer Finder. Simply enter your postcode to search for Beavers, Cubs or Scout groups close to you.
Complete the joining process
After finding a local group and making contact, you’ll be added to the Scouts’ membership system. As part of the joining process, you’ll be asked to provide two references, a DBS background check and a welcome conversation about what you’d like to get out of volunteering as well as any support you may need.
Completing the initial safeguarding and safety training
Safety is at the heart of Scouting. Within your first 30 days of joining, you must complete online safety and safeguarding training, along with additional modules such as Growing Roots: Creating Inclusion, which can be completed in the first 180 days.
The Wood Badge
If you decide to become a fully uniformed Section Leader, you’ll need to work towards achieving the “Wood Badge” within your first three years as part of your ongoing development. The Wood Badge combines practical experience with local ‘branching out’ courses to help you deliver safe, engaging and effective programmes.
And that’s all it takes to become a Scout Leader- dedication, enthusiasm and of course, completing the joining and training process!
Ready to take your Scouts on their next big adventure?
Once you’ve become a Scout Leader, planning unforgettable experiences for your group is one of the most rewarding parts of the role! From action-packed alpine adventures and bustling city getaways to icy escapades or sun-drenched water sports holidays, each trip is designed to build confidence, have new experiences and create memories to last a lifetime. Explore our range of destinations and contact our friendly team of experts to start planning a trip for your group’s next expedition today!
