As adults, our focus is on supporting our Youth Members as they move through Scouting, including supporting them to plan and deliver fantastic programs themselves. We encourage them (and ourselves) to think beyond their perceived limits to achieve objectives bounded only by their imaginations. Nothing should be impossible!

At 1st Elwood Scouts we firmly believe that the strength in our group comes from the support of our families.

Being an adult in Scouting is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We work hard to create an inclusive, friendly and supportive environment. The more adults we involve, the easier, fun and rewarding it will be for all of us!

Like many of the clubs and activities your child takes part in, we expect (and need) our families to support the running of the 1st Elwood Scout Group. We know from experience that the more our parents are involved, the more your own child will benefit.

We realise that there are demands upon you and your family. For this reason, we have many different ways in which you can support 1^st Elwood – so you can choose the level and time you have available to invest in Scouts. We invite you to become a Parent Helper, a Committee Member, or a Leader.

As a Parent Helper, you will support the leaders either at Cub or Scout meetings and perhaps some activities outside of the Hall, for example a hike, bike ride or overnight camp. We ask all adults to undertake a Working with Children and police check before helping us (which we pay for). We anticipate that most (if not all) parents will be Parent Helpers and contribute from time to time.

If you are able, we would like you to join our Group Support Committee, where you will actively support the Leaders in their roles. The Committee supports the Leaders and our youth members by helping new youth members join 1^st Elwood, by planning and running fundraising, publicity, maintenance of our equipment and facilities, as well as providing governance regarding our finances and some policies.  Our Group Support Committee is growing, but still needs more members. There is a lot to do, but it’s not all hard work – we learn together and laugh together. The general committee meet once a term, this is usually on the third week of every term on a Sunday afternoon.

As a Leader, beyond the Working with Children and police checks, we will ask you to take the Scout Promise and Law and also to undertake a programme of training over your first 2½ years. This training is nationally accredited (Including a Certificate III in Business Management). Throughout your training, you will have the support of our group, but also the District, Local, Regional and National resources in undertaking the training. As we recognise the importance of the training program, the 1st Elwood Scout Group will cover the full cost of all training that the leader will undertake.

As a Leader we also pay for your annual adult membership fee, uniform, and most camps that you attend. In addition to this we also subsidise half of the annual group fee for any direct child member that you have within our group if you’ve been with us for at least 6 months as a Leader.

You don’t need to be a parent or guardian to volunteer with us. Today, more people are considering undertaking Community Service than ever before – a way of giving back and of staying connected to the community. Supporting scouting in your local community is a worthwhile and satisfying way of achieving this.

We are frequently asked whether Leaders and helpers are paid. The answer is no! All of Leaders and committee members are volunteers and receive no payment. We do it either because we’re parents ourselves or have been Members in the past and recognise the benefits of the Scouting to young people.

We are currently seeking support in the following areas:

• Assistant Cub Scout Leaders, who can commit to supporting our Cub Scout Unit (8 to 11 year olds) on a regular basis with our Cub Scout Leader.

• A Scout Leader, who can commit to supporting our Scout Unit (11 to 14 year olds) on a regular basis with the assistance of our Assistant Scout Leaders.

• An Assistant Venturer Scout Leader who can commit to supporting our Venturer Scout Unit (15 to 17 year olds) on a regular basis with our Venturer Scout Leader.

• A Rover Advisor who can commit to supporting our Rover Scout Unit (18 to 26 year olds) on a regular basis to give guidance to our Self Sufficient Young Adults.

• A Group Leader who can help provide program support and manage the 1^st Elwood Scout Group and create lasting relationships within our community. Full training and mentoring provided by our District Commissioner.

• Joey Scout Leaders who are eager to help 5 to 7 year olds grow and develop and willing to go and learn at a local group, so that we can start a new Joey Scout Unit at 1^st Elwood

• Adults to join our active Group Support Committee and actively support our Leaders including:
  • Hall Hire Administrator
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Social Media Coordinator

Please contact our Leader in Charge and District Commissioner, Reece Shaw at gl.1stelwood@scoutsvictoria.com.au to discuss the role that you are able to play at 1^st Elwood.