Didsbury Viking Explorer Scout Unit

Leader

Are you enthusiastic, optimistic, driven, got bags loads of fun and are a tiny bit mad? Are you looking for new challenges in life? Want to try something different? Or were a Scout when you were young and want to give something back to the community? Want to work with young people in the community?

If so maybe you could be our next Explorer Scout Leader.

"Being a leader with young people, is the most fulfilling and rewarding thing I do!"

 

Please take the time to read the following information, and if you've got any questions don't hesitate to contact us!

A bit of history!

The Viking unit serves the entire Manchester South District and is open to anyone aged 14 to 18 years of age.

The unit was originally formed in January 2004. We originally had 7 members all from the 88th Manchester Scout group. We had a couple of very successful years, where numbers steadily increased to an average of about 15 members. We have since had leadership changes, and unfortunately some of our leaders have had to leave due to work and family commitments, and also our numbers have receded slightly too. We now get on average 5 or 6 members per week. We are certainly looking to expand again and gain new members and leaders.

So what's it all about?

Explorers is the section within the Scout Association especially for 14 - 18 year olds, it is run on a district level rather than a group level, and thus the area we cover is greater. We run an exciting and varied programme, from more serious values evenings, to the good old cooking evening and climbing!

We are an active unit and meet once a week on a Wednesday evening. We try to run weekends away as often as possible, these have included challenge hikes, climbing weekends and weekends just to get to know each other.
We also run a week or two-week long summer expedition, which in the past have been to Switzerland, the Lake District and Scotland.

What do leaders do?

In the UK there are 450,000 Scouts who meet regularly, and partake in activities. None of this could happen with out adult volunteers to organise and run their evenings and events, safely and in an enjoyable way.

In Explorers the role of leaders is to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere to run a balanced programme for 14 - 18 year olds. They are responsible for the safety of the evenings and events, and generally being the responsible adult.

In our unit, the members of the unit plan our programme and camps, and also organise and execute many of the evenings. We also have an elected exec committee, who run the unit and have elected positions such as Treasurer.

All leaders are CRB cleared and also abide by the Scout Association's guidelines.

FAQ

1. Do I need any experience?
   No, just come along open and looking to have fun and help. All training will be provided.



2. What training is required?
   At first - none, you will just need to be CRB checked. If you then want to become an official assistant leader or leader then you will need to attend some training courses.
   
   
3. What can I do for the unit?

   Behind every successful unit there is a dedicated team of Leaders and Helpers. The Explorer Scout Section is designed to give the young people an ever increasing role in planning and implementing their programme and activities. However to do this they need the support of adults.

   We are currently looking for more adults to get involved with our Explorer Scout Unit. There are many ways in which you can help the unit depending on how much time you are able to give, and the areas that interest you. Below are just a few of the roles you that you can take on:

   • Helping with weekly meetings
   • As an activity instructor – Climbing, Canoeing etc
   • Helping with transport
   • Helping to promote the Unit
   • Help raise funds
   • Helping to recruit new members
   • Helping to plan and administer activities

   … and many more!

4. I'm very busy - how much of my time will Explorer Scouting take up?
   All of the above roles can fit into the time you have available. It maybe as little as helping with just one activity per term, or as much as helping with the meeting every week. The more help we have, the better the Explorer Scout experience will be for the young people, and the easier everyone’s role becomes.



5. I'm only a student living in Manchester during term time - can I help?
   Yes, many of our past leaders have been students. We would have been stuck without them!



6. Do I need specialist skills?
   If you are interested in helping but maybe don’t have the skills, Scouting is able to offer you training in a wide range of activities and leadership skills. These can be a benefit to you both within and outside of Scouting.
   
   
7. Why should I get involved?
   Being involved with Explorer Scouting can be as fun and rewarding for adults as it is for the young people. The focus of Scouting is to give skills and experiences to young people, but in doing so you get to be part of the fun as well. It is through the enjoyment and enthusiasm of the adults that the young people are encouraged to get the most out of Scouting.
   
   
 
8. What about uniform?
   We are a uniformed organisation, so we do where uniform for the opening and closing ceremony of each evening and any formal public events. Leaders also where uniform but there is no need to purchase a uniform until you have decided this is the right thing for you.



9. How much does it cost?
   All leaders are volunteers, and therefore do not get paid, however they also don't have to pay anything.



10. What about female leaders?
    For the last 10 years or so the Scout Association has been open to girls, we are too. We have girls in our unit, and we welcome female leaders as well.



11. What about badges?
    The Scout Association do have badges that the explorers can work towards, we help them gain your Chief Scouts Awards, and later the Queen Scouts Award. As well as all of the Duke of Edinburgh's awards.



12. More Questions?
    Please see the contact details below.

 

What to do now?

Have a look around the rest of the site, in particular the programme and past events. See if you like the look of the unit, and whether you would like to help with it or not, and then either turn up on a Wednesday night or email/phone me and we can discuss more. (Details below)

Where? When? How?

We meet on Wednesdays at 2000hr (8pm) at 88th Manchester Scout HQ "The Lodge", School Lane, Didsbury, M20 6RG.

Just turn up - please check the programme first - and we'll do our best to welcome you or contact Ben (Details Below).

Contact

Please contact Ben Bowen for more details or any questions you may have.
Email Ben at: ben@dvesu.co.uk
Or phone him on: 07787 363956 (After 5pm please!)

 

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