Lack of Time

First, there’s the perennial issue of available time.

“It only takes an hour a week” is an apocryphal phrase I’ve heard Scout leaders use in jest. Most volunteers know it would be impossible to make an impactful contribution in that time period, even if that phrase were true.

What many people don’t realise is that there are plenty of ways adults can get involved with their local Scout Group without having to give up all their spare time or feeling as if they’re making sacrifices when they volunteer with us. We need to make it easy for adults with limited time to join up by offering more flexible volunteering arrangements than in the past. We can offer opportunities for people in administrative or trustee roles, helping out at special events, activities or camps, or providing back-up two-deep leadership for some of our stretched line leaders. Some of these roles could require a few hours a week, or a few long weekends a year.

Our State and Region teams will soon be able to tell you about a new ‘Leaderbuild’ initiative we’re launching to attract more adults, alongside our fully funded Young Leader Development Program for Venturers and Rovers. Please contact your Region Commissioner to find out more about these exciting initiatives.

Lack of Skills

Second, there’s still a perception that Scouting is only for experienced campers, who can tie every knot in the book, pitch a Patrol tent single-handedly in the dark, or hike 20 kms uphill without pausing for a break.

As you’d expect, this old-fashioned view doesn’t appeal to young people, let alone adults. When recruiting new adult leaders, we’re naturally looking for motivated individuals who bring energy, creativity and skills to help us deliver a varied, exciting and dynamic program for youth members.

But there’s also plenty of support on offer when you join. Adults are immediately surrounded by like-minded individuals, who are keen to share and gain new experiences. There are opportunities to learn practical, leadership, and organisational skills, taking on responsibility as and when you are ready for it. You can learn to communicate with a team, lead a group of strangers, build camaraderie through overcoming a challenge, all while having fun.

New recruits have access to comprehensive training and guidance to feel equipped with the knowledge and support they need to participate or even run a Section, Group or major event successfully. Our official training is provided through the Scouts Australia Institute of Training, which is accredited to award nationally-recognised VET qualifications in Leadership and Management. All of the new experiences may feel challenging at first, but they’re also valuable life skills and often immediately transferable to the workplace.

Lack of Appreciation

There are far too many instances when adults have become disillusioned with their voluntary work, feeling that the rules and requirements are just too onerous. This is often described as the bureaucracy of Scouting.

This is something we must all take accountability to fix.

We’re continuing to invest in ways to increase efficiency and makes things easier, but there are always going to be some processes or policies we can’t change.

However, there is something that can go a long way to helping people feel that the investment they’re making is worthwhile. It’s to recognise and thank others.

When was the last time you thanked another adult volunteer at Scouts? When did you last compliment someone on a program they ran, an idea they offered, for tidying up some Scouting mess or for listening and helping a young person to progress towards a difficult challenge?

If you’re not thanking anyone, complimenting another adult, nominating them for an Adult Recognition Award or singing their praises to others, then who is?

There are so many ways to acknowledge others’ contributions. Our quarterly Gala Dinners provide one of our many opportunities to thank our long serving volunteer leaders. It is always a highlight for me to hear of the extraordinary contribution each one of our leaders gives to Scouting at these events.

100 Years of the Wood Badge

Finally, I’m excited to remind you that 2019 marks the centenary of the Wood Badge. It’s the

recognised insignia given to adult scouters across the world, worn by over 1200 leaders across NSW.

Those who’ve gained their Wood Badge wear two wooden beads threaded onto a leather thong, modelled on a necklace given by Robert Baden-Powell at the first Scoutmasters' training camp in 1919.

According to our records, around 4600 members have received a Wood Badge. The very first awardee was from 1st Wollongong in August 1929 and the youngest is from 1st Narellan Scout Group, who achieved this honour in March 2019. Watch out for our Wood Badge centenary series on Facebook or check out the background to this impressive award on a special global website.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who gives their time as a volunteer for Scouts in NSW. We value your contribution and we appreciate that any time you give makes a difference. Please encourage your friends, family members and work colleagues to consider the benefits. For themselves, for the young people they’re helping, and for society as a whole.

Yours in Scouting,

Neville Tomkins OAM JP

Chief Commissioner

Scouts Australia (NSW Branch)

Child Safety in Scouting

Scouts Australia NSW is committed to operating as a child safe organisation and implementing child safe policies and practices in accordance with the elements of a child safe institution outlined by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse report entitled Creating Child Safe Institutions.

Remember

All suspicions, concerns or allegations about criminal matters or child protection matters should be reported directly to the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Safety, Compliance and Support), the CEO or the Child Protection Officer at the NSW State Office.
To make a report use the online child protection form, call 02 9735 9000 or email childprotection@nsw.scouts.com.au.

Imminent Danger

If a young person is in imminent danger, the matter should be reported directly and immediately to NSW Police on 131 444.

Where a report is made to the police, you should also subsequently notify the NSW State Office.