Scouting Magazine - The Scout Association

From theparentsDon’t take it from us. At arecent camp, we stumbledacross dozens of recent convertsFrom left to right:Michelle, Robin,Michelle, Garyand Trevor‘Last year was my first camp andI was put in charge of first aid,as my background is with St JohnAmbulance. It was an absoluteblast. It’s great to put somethingback into my local community.’Michelle, parent helper‘My son’s a Scout. He’s about toleave, but I’m staying! Scoutingis a great outlet for all my ideasand energy.’Robin, parent helper‘I’m a Scout mum and I’m alwayshappy to be called in at camps.I normally do the money, thecooking and the shopping! I lovecoming to these big outdoorevents – I think really that’s whatScouting is all about.’Michelle, parent helper‘My daughter was actually thefirst girl in Beaver Scouting, so Isuppose I had to get involved. I’mgood at the practical stuff – settingup the camp and that sortof thing. I’d say to otherparents, get stuck in andjoin in the fun!’Gary, parent helper‘I started out as a parent helperat a camp. I had such a good time,I decided to join as a leader andhaven’t looked back since. If itwasn’t such good fun, I wouldn’tkeep coming back!’Trevor, Cub Scout LeaderTHE NEW PARENT GUIDESParents are a very importantaudience, and we have beenlooking at ways to bettercommunicate with them.One of these is a revisedparent guide.We produced a parent packin 2006, which was incrediblywell received and over 200,000copies were handed out.This time round, every Beaver,Cub and Scout Leader receivedfive of these at the end ofJanuary and more can beordered through the ScoutInformation Centre whenneeded. The differencefrom last time is thatthese resources arenow FREE (you justneed to pay for postageand packaging).The guides are in ahandy A5 format, witha pocket at the backfollowing feedback thatpeople find it useful toinclude local informationwhen you hand them out tonew parents.As well as the pack, parentscan log on to www.scouts.org.uk/parents for furtherinformation about Scoutingin general, such as the A-Z ofScouting terms. They can alsoread our FAQs on becoming avolunteer and inspiring casestudies from leaders.Parents are also encouragedto sign up to Adventure News,a monthly e-newslettercontaining Scouting storiesand information.They willreceive storiesabout flexiblevolunteering,information aboutScouting and offersfrom Scout Shopsrelevant to them.Order your freepacks from the ScoutInformation Centreon 0845 300 1818.Helping supportThe Big Adventure more infoVisit www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure for news,offers and opportunities.www.scouts.org.uk/magazine25