Try the four step challenge
A commitment free, try-before-you-buy for new volunteers – focusing on roles beyond what they might expect to find at Scouts
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What’s it all about?
The four step challenge is a gradual introduction to Scouts, for those who are interested in non-programme roles. New volunteers agree to help out for just four weeks, while a more experienced leader shows them the ropes and helps them get involved.
The four step challenge works because it’s manageable: people feel more comfortable signing up for a short amount of time. As an existing volunteer, you get four whole weeks to help them settle in, grow in confidence, and see just how much they can get from Scouts.
You can run a four week challenge however you’re meeting at the moment – it doesn’t matter if you’re coming together virtually or face-to-face.
Start by identifying someone in the team who’ll support potential volunteers through the challenge, then check out the steps below to get started.

All sorts of people take on all sorts of roles at Scouts
There are loads of non-programme roles and tasks which need doing at Scouts.
Here are just a few examples:
- Chair Person (Executive Committee)
- Secretary (Executive Committee)
- Treasurer (Executive Committee)
- Fundraiser
- Administrator
- Record Keeping
- Social Media
- Technology Lead
- Grounds keeper
- Quartermaster
Role descriptions for some of these roles and many others can be found here
Find the perfect match
Try our name generation techniques to identify who you could ask to take on the challenge
Ask for help
Need some more support and advice? The Regional Services Team are here to help
Programme Roles
If you want to test out programme roles, try the Four Week Challenge instead
Bring an adult
Have a look at some ideas around bringing another adult along with you.