The fortnightly column from the Volunteer Centre at Bossard House, West Street, Leighton Buzzard
Did you grow up as a Guide or Scout? Are you interested in working with children? Could you spare one evening a week?
Then you should consider becoming a leader with the Girl Guiding or Scout Association, both are always on the lookout for volunteers to help with local groups.
Girl Guiding UK has for sections run for girls in the UK. Rainbows run from five to seven years, Brownies run from seven to 10 years, Guides run for 10 to 14 year olds and the senior section runs for 14-25 years old.
The Scout Association have the Beavers for six to eight year olds, Cubs for eight to 10½ year olds, Scouts for 10½ to 14, Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18 year olds and Scout Networks for 18 to 25 year olds.
These associations are flexible – you don’t have to meet weekly, or wear a uniform, you can help out a more than one unit, hand help out with new ideas. You can become a uniformed leader if you wish and help to organise activities and trips for the children and young people.
These opportunities are a great way to get involved with working with children, whatever age range you are interested in working with.
Maybe you have a child at one of these clubs, or just want to get more experience and improve your skills.
Either way these are great opportunities and fit really well around work or other commitments, even two hours of your time will make a big difference. You could even just fundraise for your local group to help them go to camps and activity days. If you aren’t interested in working with children and young people, then why not consider offering your skills helping with admin, or becoming the treasurer for a group.
If you are interested in the above opportunities, or would like to find out more information about volunteering, then give the Volunteer Centre a call to find out more. Based in Leighton Buzzard town centre (near the multi-storey car park) an advisor will be happy to meet with you and can offer free advice on all the roles available. Call 01525 850559, weekdays 9.30am to 3.30pm or email volunteer@action-centralbeds.org.uk.