Leadership and Volunteering
at Northridge Para Vista

There isn’t any pay for you, you serve without reward,

Those who tramp the fields with you but little could afford. 

And yet your pay is richer far than those who toil for gold,

For in a dozen different ways your service shall be told. 

You’ll see it in the faces of a group of growing youth,

You’ll see it in the pleasure of simply being “OUT”. 

And down the distant future - you will surely see it then,

Emblazoned through the service of women and of men.

Long years of willing labour and of leading up the troops,

Long years of trudging trailways, with cheers and cries and whoops, 

Long years of campfires burning, not alone for pleasure’s sake,

But the future generation which those youth are soon to make. 

They have no gold to give you, but when age comes on to you,

They’ll give you back the splendid things you taught them how to do. 

They’ll give you rich contentment and a thrill of honest pride,

You’ll see your nation prosper, and you’ll all be satisfied.

Adult Leaders and Adult Helpers

You are considering becoming a Leader within the Northridge Para Vista Scout Group - Welcome!! We understand that not everyone is able to do this or interested in doing so, but if you are interested, please speak to any of the leaders. They will tell you that they get have just as much fun as the children and a very real sense of achievement of doing something worthwhile for the community.

Remember, there is no such thing as a professional Scout Leader. We all used to be a Mum or Dad just like you. The Scout Association provides wonderful and enjoyable training which turns laymen into leaders – and without Leaders we wouldn’t have a Scout Group for your child to join. 

The Process

At present you'll most likely be helping out regularly in a particular Section, or considering doing so. The next steps will involve some paperwork, police checks and then once your application is accepted - some Leader training. 

 Meeting with our Group Leader to discuss:

Completion of the A1 – Adult Member Application form, which includes the National Police Check.

Prior to becoming a Leader in Scouting you need to complete a Police Check. All Leaders undertake a 3 yearly check to ensure the safety of our members.

You will then be able to be invested as a Leader in Scouting.

Training Requirements

All Leaders in Scouting are required to complete Scout training which helps teach you about the Scout method and running exciting Scouting programs.

They also teach you about important aspects of Scouting such as Policies, Rules, Guidelines
Most Scouting training is now conducted electronically using our e-learning system through www.sait.scouts.com.au.

There is also the requirement for a 3 day Basic course held on a Sunday, then a following Saturday-Sunday.

There is some paperwork involved, but at the end you will have achieved your Basic Scout Training.

Scouts Australia is an accredited RTO so Scout Leader training can actually earn you Cert III and IV qualifications in Leadership and Management.

Once your Basic Training is done you can continue your personal development with Advanced Training – however the main aim is to get everyone through their Basic training to begin with!

Your role

Very rarely do we recruit “Leaders” straight out. We endeavour to recruit “Assistant Leaders” to work as part of a team of Leaders within a Section. That way you work with a team to run the section.

Expectations

As a Leader within the Group we do expect you to work as part of the Leader team for your section.

This may involve (but not limited to) preparing and running programs, assisting at camps and activities, supporting Group events and more.

There will be some meetings to attend outside of your section meeting, such as

• Your section activities (obviously!) including camps, outings, activities and much more
• Training course (as previously mentioned 3 days residential)
• Group Council (held 6 times a year with all the other Leaders in the Group – great information sharing opportunity!
• Section meetings such as programming evenings
   

Group Support

The Scout Group supports all of our Leaders in return for their commitment and dedication for signing up to help out!

• Your fellow Leaders are here to provide support and guidance and answer any questions you may have!
• Leaders are not expected to (but are still allowed to) participate in fund-raising and other such activities.
• Children of Leaders are exempted from paying Group fees (each child is stilled required to pay the Association fee - currently $50 per annum)
• All Leader expenses in regards to training, uniform etc are subsidised by the Scout Group.
• Section funds allow Leaders to purchase items required for meeting nights (ie no out of pocket expenses should be required).
   

 “After I saw how much fun my child was having at Scouts I decided that I’d love to become a Leader. The courses are fully accredited, the programs are flexible to suit the needs of my Troop, and my Scouts are full of energy and willing to learn. I love the responsibility of being a Leader because it’s my chance to give back to my community while also releasing my inner adventurer."