Spotlight On ... Student Volunteers
By Mark Guy, County Recruitment and Development Officer
Welcome to this issue’s Spotlight On. This time my beam is cast back to the first quarter of 2009, during which time a student from the University of Chichester undertook a period of placement with West Sussex Scouts.
Introducing, Ben Price, a University of Chichester student. As part of Ben’s final year of his Diploma in Youth and Community Work, he was required to undertake a 12 week placement within the Youth sector. When given the opportunity to undertake the placement within Scouting, Ben said: “cool, I’m not sure what I’ve got myself into, but I’m excited to be trying out something different”.
Ben completed the majority of this with 12th Chichester and 1st Southbourne Scout Troops. As part of Ben’s introduction to Scouting he undertook Modules 1 and 3 of the Adult Training Scheme to ensure he had the basic knowledge to help him through the 12 weeks, although most of the learning was done on his feet with the Troop. Throughout his placement Ben was supported by Rachel Hammond who supervised and assessed his fieldwork and by Irene Orford who ensured he had the opportunities necessary to complete the required 288 hours work.
Following the completion of his 12 weeks placement Ben said: “I was unsure of what to expect of Scouts, but it’s been good and everyone was really friendly and helpful. I’d encourage others to get involved; the opportunities I’ve been given in this short space of time have been great.” Ben has now returned home to Kent, where he has been put in touch with his local Explorer Scout Unit and has started helping on a regular basis.
Whilst it’s unusual for a student to be involved in Scouting as part of their course, it’s not unusual for students to volunteer whilst studying at university or college. In fact it is often encouraged due to the softer kills and knowledge acquired, and the fact that it looks great on anyone’s CV.
Students are often stereotyped as having lots of time on their hands. This might not be the case for them all, owever it is likely that some students will be willing to make time for a worthy cause. Students have lots to offer Scouting, in addition to specialist knowledge in their area of study they will have a network of individuals that they could get involved or help you access resources and facilities.
Whilst the nature of student volunteers will bring challenges like long holidays and exam periods, these can be vercome with a bit of flexible thinking and planning. Don’t forget to say “thank you” when they leave and offer to put them in touch with Scouting wherever they are going!
Have YOU considered approaching your local college or university for potential new recruits?
More useful ideas and tips can be found in the ‘Recruiting student volunteers to Scouting’ resource, available from ww.scouts.org.uk/students or from the Scout Information Centre.
To contact Mark Guy, County Recruitment & Development Officer, about this article or another Scouting topic, call 07500 963 363 or email mark.crdo@googlemail.com
