What is a Scout Active Support unit?
Scout Active Support units welcomes men and women aged 18 and over and of all interests, abilities and backgrounds. There is no requirement to have been involved in Scouting or Guiding before joining. All that is required is a willingness to volunteer some time to support Scouting. To be a member of a Scout Active Support Unit, you must become a Member or an Associate Member of The Scout Association.
Scout Active Support is a way for adults to volunteer some time to Scouting in a flexible way that suits them. Its a resource for managers of local Scouting including Group Scout Leaders, District Commissioners and, to use in which ever way is required.
Active Support units around the country regularly get involved in event organisation and support, adventurous activity provision, fundraising, supporting Section Leaders, providing both social activities for Districts and Counties and skills based sessions and training. In fact 'active support' can be just about anything, the list is endless, below are a few examples.
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A new Beaver Scout Colony has just opened. Members of a District Scout Active Support unit who have experience in running a Beaver Scout Colony could support the new leadership team for the first term.
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An Assistant Scout Leader at a local Group is on maternity leave. A member of the District Scout Active Support unit could act as the Assistant Scout Leader for the duration of the maternity leave.
- A District Explorer Scout Unit is planning an international expedition. The District Scout Active Support unit could work with them to help plan the trip, including fundraising.
- The District Commissioner is losing track of "Want to join enquiries" from young people and adults. Active Support Unit members could take on following up "Want to join enquiries", which might involve supporting adults and young people until they are involved in Scouting.
- Scout District runs an annual open day for adults and young people to experience Scouting. The District Scout Active Support Unit could take responsibility for organising an element of the day, coordinating activities and handouts.
- A Scout Group is struggling for adults Leaders, a Group Scout Active Support unit could take the lead on recruitment for the Group by attending local events such as school fairs and University Open Days.
More infomation on Scout Active Support can be found on theses pages or email Terry Willcox Durham County Active support manager
