Residential volunteering programme
Residential volunteering programme
Unlock your potential – Volunteer with Scout Adventures!
Looking for some unforgettable fun while making a real impact? Join our 2024/2025 residential volunteering team and dive into an outdoor world packed with challenge & excitement! Picture yourself abseiling, kayaking, and zip-lining all whilst inspiring young people to gain skills for life.
It's not just about the thrills; you'll also make lifelong friends, sharpen up your teamwork and leadership skills, and give your CV a serious boost with a list of awesome experiences. Plus, there's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a young person conquer their fears thanks to your influence.
You'll receive full training, earn recognised qualifications in various activities and master essential skills in customer service, retail, catering, hospitality and event planning. Plus, we'll hook you up with uniform, food, accommodation, and £35 per week of personal expenses. In return you’ll need to bring lots of energy, a positive can-do attitude and a willingness to be outside in the great British weather!
There are only a limited number of places available. We welcome applications from the UK, Europe and all over the world. Choose from 6, 9 or 12-month options.
Jump into volunteering, and you might just find it's the adventure you’ve been waiting for!
"Scout Adventures is a great place to volunteer! There is always an opportunity to learn something new and nothing is more rewarding than being in the great outdoors and helping young people!"
Your journey to volunteering
Step 1: Applying
Ready to join the adventure? Start by filling out our online application form. You’ll need to include details of someone to write you a letter of recommendation—an adult (not a relative) who can provide a statement for your character and suitability to join our team. A scout leader, teacher, or sports coach would be perfect since they’ll understand the exciting volunteering role you're aiming for!
Once we get your application and recommendation, we’ll give them a quick review. If all looks great, we’ll invite you to an online interview. It’s a 15-20 minute chat for us to learn more about you and for you to ask any questions. No prep needed, just find a quiet spot with a strong internet connection.
Need a hand? Get in touch with us on volunteering@scoutadventures.org.uk
Step 2: Arrival
All our Full-Time volunteers kick off with an initial training course, usually held at Gilwell Park.
Once you’ve completed the application process, we’ll let you know your course dates. We’ll also help plan your travel arrangements — if you’re joining us from overseas and need a visa, this includes providing you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
You’ll usually arrive the weekend before training starts; we’ll sort out transport to pick you up from the airport, train or bus station.
Step 3: Initial training
Get ready for an exciting 10-day course with 30 to 40 participants! You’ll join a team of 11 other volunteers, each led by a mentor (a returning volunteer) and a trainer (one of our permanent team members).
This training is practical and hands-on, and you’ll be jumping right into all the action. At the end of the course, we’ll celebrate with a campfire and officially invest you into the Scout Adventures family.
See what training is all about
Step 4: Volunteering
Once you arrive at your designated adventure centre, your first few weeks will be packed with exciting training sessions for the activities you’ll be delivering and leading for young people. Got a special interest or skill? We’ll make sure you get the opportunity to shine! If you’re creative, you can even leave your mark on the centre during your free time. Previous volunteers have painted climbing walls, built team-building bases, and created vegetable gardens. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do!
What would I be doing if I wasn't volunteering?
What else would you be doing if you don’t volunteer? Discover why our past volunteers jumped in and had the adventure of a lifetime!
Volunteering isn’t just about helping others and giving back – it’s a two-way street. It boosts your well-being, equips you with lifelong skills and connects you with new friends. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime
"I never thought that I was capable to do all the things that I can do now, I learned more about myself" Domingo, Peru.
"I’m constantly pushed out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Most of the work is different from anything I’ve ever done before, and that’s the best part!" Andrea, Denmark
Available placements - October 2024 to Autumn 2025
This placement offers you the chance to be part of our amazing team delivering unforgettable experiences to thousands of young people. You'll play a big part of our 2025 story and have the opportunity to both learn and teach loads of new new skills surrounded by our volunteering family.
Applications are now open! Shorter placements are also available with later start dates.
How to apply
Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to do:
Complete an application form and upload the following as PDFs or JPGs (the form contains instructions on how to do this):
• Membership confirmation from your National Scout/Guide Organisation (only required if you're a current Scout or Guide)
• Reference letter of recommendation (from your school/university or employer)
• A photo of you
• A short 2-minute video introducing yourself.
We need all of these to progress your application, so you can make a start getting these ready now, even before you start filling in the form.
You must be over 18 when you apply for your visa (3 months before you start your training) and must have a good standard of English.
Find out about our adventure centres
Broadstone Warren, East Sussex
Within the idyllic Weald area of outstanding natural beauty, Broadstone Warren is 400 acres of adventure in the Ashdown Forest close to the town of East Gristead, just an hours train journey to central London.
Fordell Firs, Edinburgh
A beautiful site on the outskirts of Edinburgh. With easy access to the fantastic cultural attractions of Scotland's capital city.
Gilwell Park, London
Close to London but with the tranquillity of a woodland location, Gilwell Park is famous throughout the world for its Scouting heritage, beautiful setting and stunning range of activities.
Great Tower, Lake District
In the heart of the Lake District, on the shores of Windermere, Great Tower is one of our most stunning locations. Close to the towns of Bowness, Windermere and just a short journey to Kendal.
Hawkhirst, Northumberland
Located in the Kielder forest, in Northumberland national park, and on the shores of Kielder water, the largest manmade lake in northern Europe.
Lochgoilhead, Loch Lomond
Located close to Loch Goil and Argyll Forest Park, Lochgoilhead offers hill, forest and water environments.
Youlbury, Oxford
A beautiful woodland centre. This is the worlds oldest permanent Scout Camp and is just 3 miles from the historic city of Oxford.
Meet our Volunteers
Volunteering from Spain
Hear from Alvaro what its like to travel from Spain to spend the year volunteering at Scout Adventures
Volunteering from South Africa
Hear from Declan and Tate what its like to travel from South Africa to spend the year volunteering at Scout Adventures
Volunteering from Mexico
Hear from Mariana, Miguel and Sergio what its like to travel from Mexico to spend the year volunteering at Scout Adventures
Volunteering from Brazil
Hear from Rafael, Daniel & Carolina what its like to travel from Brazil to spend the year volunteering at Scout Adventures
Volunteering from South Korea
Hear from Damin & Seojin what its like to travel from South Korea to spend the year volunteering at Scout Adventures