A few years ago we might have talked about the uniform we sometimes wear, or even a certain type of person. But today there's no easy answer.

The definition of a volunteer is someone that ‘gives their time freely for the benefit of others’. The Scout Association is an organisation made up of volunteers who give freely of their time because they are committed to the aims and principles of the Movement and enjoy working with and helping to develop young people in our informal educational context.

Scouting is made up of many different types of volunteers some are members, some are supporters and others are parents or young people wanting to do something to help achieve the aims of the Movement. Some are not even aware that they are doing this whilst others view this as their lifetimes challenge.

With basic facilities and volunteer support, Scouts provides life-changing opportunities and adventure to both young people and adults. When someone talks to us about volunteering, we find a role that fits with their time and skills. If that means an hour a month, then we’ll work out how we can make the most of that. Most importantly, we’ll work hard to make that one hour enjoyable and meaningful for the volunteer too.

The Scouts have been able to adapt and change throughout their history so that it retains a relevance to the needs and aspirations of young people. It does this without losing sight of its core values, enshrined in the Scout law and Scout promise. The appeal of Scouts also has a very real resonance with more than 100,000 adults who actively support scouting across the country.

By choosing Scouts, you will make a real difference to the lives of young people and make a huge impact in your community. You have the opportunity to try new things, develop your talents, and continue to explore your values and beliefs. Scouts offers a high quality balanced programme of opportunities for young people and award winning training to our adult volunteers.

It really goes without saying that adults are the lynchpin of the Scouts. Without adults scouting would simply not exist. Scouts is about everyday people working as leaders and supporters in their communities, giving young people confidence, a sense of purpose, life values and outdoor skills that are hard to find anywhere else – we call this ‘skill for life!’ Adults in scouting are from all walks of life. The one thing they share is the enjoyment of working together and helping young people reach their potential.

All our volunteering opportunities are based on a flexible volunteering model, meaning that if you are unable to make the meeting its fine, we don’t expect everyone to be available every week. It's still Scouts, whether you’re involved once a week, once or twice a month, every six or eight weeks or even once or twice a year; and whether you are in the thick of activities with a group of young people or working behind the scenes in a management, trustee or support role.

We're scouts and everyone's welcome here. We'd love you to join our team of go-getters, doers and give-it-a-goers. Find out how you can make ‘scout nights’ even better. Everyone has something to offer to support local scouting, So, whatever your age or ability we have a role that will suit you and not all our roles involve working with young people so there are many ways you can get involved and help make a difference.

All our volunteering opportunities are based on a flexible volunteering model, meaning that if you are unable to make the meeting its fine, we don't expect everyone to be available every week. Scouting is still scouting, whether you're involved once a week, once or twice a month, every six weeks or even once a year; and whether you are in the thick of activities with a group of young people or working behind the scenes in a management, trustee or support role.

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to test out potential career choices, helping you to find a job you enjoy. And the experiences you gain are invaluable when applying for jobs, proving both your interest in a particular career path and your success at it.

Volunteering improve your employability by developing your skills. By volunteering, you can learn how to communicate better with people and work as part of a team to achieve your goal. These are all things that help to make your CV look more interesting when applying for jobs. By volunteering, you can also show employers that you have an interest in improving both your community and yourself beyond academic study. Employers are increasingly seeking 'well-rounded' individuals, i.e. people who can show more than just academic achievement. Volunteering helps you to develop skills and attributes you do not necessarily use in a classroom. These include planning, leadership, motivation and self-management.

Many people recognise that there are a wide range of community organisations helping young people, and indeed many people have benefited from their work. They understand that young people get a lot out of the activities provided by volunteers, and want to give something back to their community in the same way.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests and to simply have fun. Working with young people involves a variety of activities, and can be a chance for a volunteer to rediscover adventure for themselves, whilst making new friends and having fun.

Many volunteers encounter a variety of new challenges when they begin giving time in their communities. Sharing new experiences with new people, they can learn new skills that can give them confidence to face challenges in other areas of their lives.… It's a good thing volunteering gives you the chance to help other people to achieve their goals and succeed in what they want to do. Helping others in this way can lead to greater self-esteem and encourage you to face and overcome new and bigger challenges.