10 ways to volunteer from home to help a Scout camp
We all know that Scout camps are amazing, but preparing to go is a massive undertaking. Getting some more parents and carers involved in small tasks can make a world of difference - and you might even get an extra regular volunteer!
Offering up smaller roles can help make the tasks more manageable and allow people to say yes. They’ll know the commitment, what’s needed from them and may feel comfortable that the role is within their skillset.
So, we’ve created a list of lots of ways parents, carers or occasional volunteers can contribute from the comfort of their homes, making sure there’s a successful and memorable Nights Away event for everyone. And we all know teamwork makes the dreamwork!
1. Budgeting and fundraising:
Could someone offer their financial expertise to help manage the camp budget effectively? They could help make work out camp fees or see if they can shop around for the best deals. Someone could also help fundraise. They could run a fundraising event, help apply for grants or be able to set up gift aid. Use our finance guidance to find out more.
2. Food and menu planning:
Can anyone help create a nutritious, tasty menu that considers the dietary requirements, allergies and preferences of your group? Someone else could make snack packs, help put together packed lunches, or order the food and help deliver it to camp. You could use our camp menu guidance.
3. Organising car shares:
Anyone who’s a good communicator, or someone who knows a lot of the parents and carers, could help everyone to make carpool arrangements. This’ll help you know how many vehicles will be coming on site and help to reduce your environmental impact.
4. Equipment maintenance:
It’s no fun going camping, then noticing a hole in the canvas or a missing set of tent pegs. Someone could help to make sure everything’s in a safe, good working order and cleaned before you go. Remember repairing equipment and looking after it in the right way helps to extending its lifespan and reduce costs.
5. InTouch contact:
Every trip needs an InTouch contact. Could a parent or carer, or a few parents and carers, take on this role to help share the load?
6. Run a skills sessions:
Someone could offer to demonstrate a specific skill or talent during a skills session at your normal meetings to help everyone get ready for camp. From sleeping bag stuffing and campfire cooking to football tips and pitching tents, there’s lots of skills that could be shared!
7. Planning a camp activity:
Lots of people could help plan a camp activity or two. They might organise a guest speaker or activity host. They could also plan and prepare the materials their chosen activity needs, such as buying the paint or popping marshmallow and biscuits into ziplock bags for s’mores. You could use our Scouts activity finder for ideas.
8. Playlist creator:
A music fan could help to create themed playlists for specific events or activities. They could check the content, lyrics, artists and music videos to make sure they’re all appropriate for the age group. Check out our music licensing guidance.
9. Film planner:
Ask someone to plan some films for a movie night, if you’re having one. They could make sure the film’s age appropriate and content appropriate for your group. They can also assist in obtaining necessary permits for screening films or playing copyrighted material. Make sure to read our motion picture guidance.
10. Event decorations:
Anyone who’s feel creative could take the lead on coordinating and creating decorations for specific events or themed scout meetings. You could use our themed camp ideas.
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who works hard behind the scenes to make Scout camps, Nights Away, trips and sleepovers exciting, fun and memorable. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear neckers and high-vis!
Staying safe
All activities must be safely managed. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Complete a risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Always follow the Yellow Card.
Always get approval for the activity and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.
Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. Always make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
Check the weather forecast before doing the activity outside. Make sure you have all the safety equipment you need and check it's in good condition.
Nights Away and camping