Girlguiding Scotland welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, age groups and abilities. Guiding is flexible and can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle. As a Leader you would have the opportunity to use your talents, learn new skills, develop existing skills and make new friends! Also you would put something back by helping, encouraging and promoting young people today. Whatever your skills and interests, and no matter how much or little time you have to spare, one of our volunteering roles is bound to suit you. And your contribution is sure to be appreciated by the girls.                                                      

Find out more about volunteering with Guiding and get in touch with a local unit.

Different ways of volunteering

Whether it's an hour or two every few months or a regular weekly commitment, there are lots of ways to volunteer and help put Girlguiding Scotland girls in the lead.

Unit Leaders and Assistant Leaders

Every Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Senior Section unit has at least one Leader, who has completed the Girlguiding UK Leadership Qualification.  Leaders have overall responsibility for the unit, although this is often shared between a team.  Leaders and Assistant Leaders work with the girls to plan activities and to ensure that finances and Go! are kept up to date.

Unit Leaders are female, aged 18-65. Assistant Leaders are female aged 18 and over. If you decide to become a Leader or Assistant Leader, you will be assigned a Mentor to help you complete your qualification, and an experienced local support network of volunteers is there to help.

Unit Helpers and occasional helpers

For those who don't wish to commit to becoming a Leader but do want to work in the unit with girls and young women, the role of a Unit Helper is ideal.  Helpers are vital to guiding, because Girlguiding UK has a recommended adult-to-child ratio.  

Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers can be either male or female, aged 18 and over.  They can wear member wear if they choose.  How often helpers work with units varies and is up to individuals; you may be part of a helpers' rota

Support roles

Thinking of joining guiding but not sure that you have the time to commit regularly? There are plenty of important jobs that can be done in your own time and from your own home. You could:

    * help with unit accounts or administration
    * be the driver for an away day
    * help out at a guiding shop or depot
    * lend a hand with fundraising
    * help out with DIY
    * take part in a one-off session with your local unit, teaching the girls skills such as pilates or gardening to help them acquire a badge.

Commissioners

All guiding units are grouped into bigger groups, from Districts up to Divisions, Counties and Countries/Regions.  All of these levels have Commissioners who work with a team to support adult volunteers and organise guiding in their area.

12 Hour Challenge

Could you spare just 12 hours to do something for girls this year?  If so, you could take part in our 12 Hour Challenge. Click here for more details on the 12 Hour challenge.

Find out more about volunteering with Guiding and get in touch with a local unit.