Volunteers

All our leaders are volunteers, and give their time willingly. Leaders undergo relevant training so as to deliver the National Programs issued by Scouts Aotearoa in a safe and age appropriate manner.  Leaders are all Police vetted, and hold a First Aid certificate.  Many have additional qualifications and training in various other activities that are occasionally run by the group.  Often, leaders are parents of existing or past scouts, who saw the benefit to their child and wanted to give something back to the organization.

We are always looking out for new leaders, so should you feel you have something to give and advance our group then please ask any of our leaders or contact our Group Leader.

Leaders

You wish to become a Scout Leader?  Great!  Itโ€™s not as scary as it sounds and itโ€™s immensely rewarding. We are always looking for new people who are willing to volunteer and help support the organization.  The more Leaders we have, the more time we can spend organizing exciting activities for your child and others.  You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen to become a Scout leader, though being a citizen or resident is beneficial, but you do need to be able to commit to working with us for at least a year.

Here is a brief outline of expectations:

  • Commitment is needed for a minimum of one year.
  • Leaders need to be able to lead a group of at least 6 children (independent of your own child) with use of the Scout Method.
  • Attend weekly meeting nights. Cover can be arranged if you need some time off.
  • Help set up & pack up for meetings, do attendance register, do badge sign offs.
  • Contribute to planning & plan/lead approximately 1-2 sessions per term.
  • Be an active part of the leader team for your section.
  • Contribute ideas & communicate using chosen methods (email, etc)
  • Attend & help at some weekend events each term.
  • Complete the initial Leader Training within 12 months.
  • Support other leaders in your section and group.
  • Adhere to Scouting NZ code of ethics, health and safety policy, and child & youth protection policies.
  • Pass a new Police Check and reference for a Scouting New Zealand volunteer.

First of all, you should talk with a current leader in the appropriate section (Keas, Cubs, or Scouts).  They will be able to tell you more, and get your application started with the approval of our Group Leader.  You will also need to complete some training before you can become fully Warranted and receive your scarf at a special ceremony.

All the training, and one of your uniforms, are provided and paid for by our Group, though you are expected to be able to commit to volunteering for at least a year.  You can also receive a discount on the term fees for any children you have in any of our sections.

Parent Helpers (Adult Helper role)

If you want to help out, but do not have the available time to commit to becoming a Leader, then you can still volunteer as an Adult Helper for certain events, such as camps, when your childrenโ€™s section needs extra help. Adult Helpers are also Police vetted, so if you feel you can help us out, please let a leader know so that the paperwork can be completed.  Then, youโ€™ll be able to help out at events, under the guidance of a Warranted Leader.

Running a successful Scouting event takes a lot of work; and weโ€™re always in need of some parents who can help us out with the various tasks involved in running a camp or outing.  Maybe youโ€™d like to help out, but are not yet ready to take on the task of being a Leader?  Well, in this case, you can register as an Adult Helper for events.

In order to do this, it is a requirement that you pass a NZ Police Vetting check, the same as all Leaders are required to do.  This is usually a formality, but helps to ensure that our children are kept safe.

Committee Members and Admin Roles

If you want to help out, but cannot take on the full role of Leader, then maybe you would like to join the Committee.  We need people to fill the various administrative roles that allow Orewa Sea Scouts to operate.  Elections are held every year at the AGM โ€“ if you would like to stand for one of the roles, please speak with our Group Leader or existing Committee Member.

The Committee supports the Group Leader in the running of the Group, focusing primarily on administrative matters as per Scouts Aotearoa best practice, so that the warranted leaders can concentrate on the delivery of the training programme.

The main functions of the committee are to:

  • Help our Group with recruiting new Leaders
  • Arrange and maintain our โ€˜Shipโ€™, the meeting place for Keas, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers
  • Control and administer the Group assets and finances
  • Provide adequate equipment and property to support the Section programs, including its regular maintenance
  • Assist the Group Leader with liaison between the Group and the community
  • Encourage our group to take part in social activities and promote fundraising opportunities
  • Assist the Leaders with camp arrangements, and if members have the skills, with technical or specialist instruction where necessary
  • Hold an Annual General Meeting

Complete the form below if you are interested in volunteering at Orewa Sea Scouts