Scouting is dynamic and fun. As a Leader, you will help to provide self development to young people through challenging, adventurous, achievement-oriented, teamwork and leadership-based experiences. Scouting provides adults with an opportunity to lead and gain satisfaction working with young people and other adults; to make a direct positive impact on your local community and on the lives of young people. Scout Leaders are responsible for helping to devise and deliver programs that support young people in reaching their potential. Not only do Leaders help youth members develop valuable skills in an environment of responsible risk-taking, but they themselves develop a variety of skills in leadership, project management and event planning.

No prior experience is necessary to become a Scout Leader. All Leaders undergo training on all aspects of youth leadership, program planning, safety and other requirements. They are also given resources of program ideas to help them get started.

Leaders are required to attend:
★ Group meetings one night a week during school terms
★ A monthly Leaders meeting
★ Group activities, such as hiking or camping trips, which take place a few weekends during the year

Types of Scout Leaders:

Leader roles vary through the Sections, as youth members take more responsibility for their activities as they progress in age. Leader roles include:

Group Leaders – responsible for leading and promoting the Scout Group in the local community and ensuring it operates in accordance with the Policies and Rules and administrative practices of the Association.

Section Leaders (Joey Scout, Cub Scout, Scout, Venturer Scout) – responsible for the planning and running of exciting, challenging weekly and weekend programs which attract new members to their Section and retain existing ones, attending and running weekly Group meetings during school terms, attending group activities (e.g. hikes or camping trips), attending monthly Leaders meeting, supervising and providing instruction, assistance and testing of youth members in skills appropriate to the program of the section especially in topics and skills of the Award Scheme

Assistant Section Leaders – take part in the planning and participate in the running of exciting, challenging weekly and weekend programs which attract new and retain existing members.

All Leaders who have an interest in adventurous activities such as abseiling or water activities have the opportunity to build on their initial training, to become an activity Leader. Activity Leaders are responsible for delivering activities, training and support around their specific activity to facilitate a more adventurous Scouting program. Any activity Leader role is secondary to that Leader's primary role within Scouting.

Leader Training:

Training and development of adult volunteers is compulsory to ensure that our Leaders have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead young people and other adults. While Leaders don’t need any prerequisite skills or knowledge prior to joining, they must be prepared to undertake our Leader Training.

As in most National Scout Organisations, Scouts Australia operates a Wood Badge Training Program as a system for the training and development of all its Adult Leaders. We also operate the Scouts Australia Institute of Training, a registered training organisation, which offers a wide variety of courses in Leadership, Business, Management and Outdoor Recreation. Through this scheme, your Scouting qualifications can be externally accredited, so they are relevant and recognised in the professional world.

Child Safe Scouting:

The number one priority for Scouts Australia is Child Safe Scouting.

★ All Leaders are thoroughly screened, undergo the relevant State checks, and must hold a valid, verified Working with Children check (Blue Card).
★ Adult Leaders receive comprehensive, ongoing training across a range of subjects including leadership, WHS, and child protection.
★ At least one person trained in first aid attends all major events.
★ At least two adults are present at all meetings and events.
★ We will liaise with you to ensure we have the information necessary to cater for your child’s individual medical, physical and dietary requirements.
★ Scouts Queensland has a team of people responsible for child safety who action any concerns that parents or children may have regarding safety.

Keen to find out more? Do you wish to volunteer as a Leader at your local Scout Group?
Please email us now: enquiries@gcscouts.com.au

General information and images on this page © Scouts Queensland and Scouts Australia .
The views expressed in this website are not necessarily those of Scouts Australia.