Charity says guiding volunteers can boost their career chances by helping them get a job or work experience
Girlguiding Scotland has made a plea for more volunteers to get involved in the organisation after revealing its current crop completed a staggering one million hours last year.
Over the last 12 months the youth organisation has seen its 11,500 volunteers help nearly 50,000 girls and young women benefit from the fun and adventure of guiding but it needs even more to reach bigger numbers.
Sue Walker, Girlguiding Scotland’s chief commissioner and lead volunteer, revealed the statistic during Volunteers’ Week, which runs until 12 June.
“The work our volunteers do to bring guiding alive for our young members is inspirational,” she said.
In return, we look after our volunteers with dedicated support, training and skills development
“As a volunteer you could find yourself helping girls learn about stars, campaign for women’s rights, camping or even travelling abroad.
“In return, we look after our volunteers with dedicated support, training and skills development.”
Volunteers are welcome from all backgrounds, abilities and faiths. From running a group to giving just one or two hours a month, guiding offers flexible opportunities that can fit into a busy lifestyle.
Recent research by the charity found that 99% of its volunteers said that guiding has had a positive impact on their lives, with many reporting it has helped them make friends (98%), have fun (94%), and boost their confidence (79%).
Almost half of Girlguiding Scotland’s volunteers also said that giving their time with guiding has boosted their career chances by helping them get a job or work experience.
Anne Mackintosh, a Guide leader for girls age 10-14, says: “Being a volunteer keeps me feeling young and there’s always something new to try. Next week we’re going for surfing lessons in Dunbar!”
Laura Stewart, a Rainbow leader, for ages five to seven, says: “An hour at Rainbows could mean making fruit smoothies or crafting mosaics and tambourines. One thing you can count on is whatever you do – it will be great fun for you and the girls.”
To find out more about the wide range of exciting volunteering opportunities visit Girlguiding Scotland at girlguidingscotland.org.uk/get-involved.
