The Scouting Movement is fun for parents as well as youngsters and Walford is on the look out for more adults to join their team.

Since her eldest son was invested into Walford Beavers three years ago, on top of Coppett Hill, Jenny Long of Walford has been delighted to see him thoroughly enjoy all the fun, adventure and challenges that Beavers and Cubs have offered, and his brother cannot wait to join the Walford Beaver pack in September.

Scouting opens youngsters’ eyes to a world of other possibilities, meeting new friends outside of their usual school circuit, trying new activities, gaining independence and offering them opportunities for wide a range of personal challenges. Across the Beaver, Cub and Scout Sections in Walford this year they have enjoyed a huge range of activities and adventures such as night hikes, bike rides, abseiling, canoeing, camping trips, water fights, cooking on an open fire, visits to army camps, castles, a vet surgery and a day at the Three Counties Show.

But for Jenny, Scouting has also offered her a personal challenge in the form of a volunteer role. As well as helping out at occasional meetings she has also been the Chair of the Walford Group Executive Committee but will be standing down in September.

Jenny says it is a real chance to get involved and feel part of the Scouting movement without the commitment of being a leader, which is not a role that would suit everyone. She has greatly enjoyed the work and getting to know the Scouting Leaders but is stepping down to take up a new challenge in her professional life.

Jenny explains that the Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader and individual Section Leaders in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. The Members of the Executive Committee act as charity trustees of the Scout Group managing the group finances and insurance and ensuring leaders have sufficient resources to operate. They meet three – four times per year at informal meetings with the section leaders and may also help out at events and camps.

The Chairperson’s role would suit someone with management experience or at least who is comfortable leading meetings and working on the longer term strategy for the Walford section. The group also need an Executive Secretary to administer the work of the committee and support the Chair.

For those who enjoy a much more active role at the heart of the fun with the children, Walford also needs a new Leader, to manage and lead the very popular Beaver Scout Section, the first and youngest section for six – eight year olds. The leader is responsible for the planning and delivery of a balanced weekly programme through term time and this role has arisen as Tony Lafford is stepping down after many very successful years in the role.

Walford’s Scout Section are also looking for an Assistant Leader, a role that would suit someone who loves the outdoors.

New leaders undergo a vetting process and then, when appointed, are given training and support from Scouting HQ, as well as the Group Scout Leader (who oversees all the section leaders), the other leaders and the Executive Committee.

To find out more or apply for any of the current volunteer roles that are available please contact Jenny at: [email protected]