Why Volunteer?
One of the most amazing results of the Scouting program is how its values lead to better citizenship, civic engagement, and community service among its participants later in life. If you’re really looking to make a difference for future generations, you can’t do much better than helping the Scouting program and supporting activities that encourage young men and women to do their best, respect our natural resources, and serve other people.
Through volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, you’ll work with youth to build a better future for our country. Volunteers come to Scouting from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. People from just about every occupation imaginable are involved in helping youth grow into responsible, caring and competent citizens. You’ll also discover that volunteering with Scouting will enable you to learn new skills and build lifelong friendships while giving back to your community.
Many volunteers within Scouting speak very highly of their experience and are enthusiastic about its numerous benefits. Volunteering helps adults build closer relationships with their children, adds fun to their lives, provides them with a sense of personal fulfillment, and increases their participation in community service activities. Scouting volunteers also get the change to fine-tune or improve their communications and relationship skills, outdoor and survival skills, management and leadership skills, and more.
How to Get Started
Scouting needs all kinds of volunteer support: whether you are working directly with Scouts or helping out behind the scenes, you can make an impact on the lives of Scouts by volunteering your time. Even if you weren’t a Scout growing up or if you only have a little bit of time to help out, there’s still a place for you within Scouting.
To all current volunteers, we want to thank you for the time and dedication you give to Scouting and to the youth in our community. And, to adults who are not currently Scout volunteers, we’d like to invite you to become a volunteer and share in the positive experiences of the Scouting program. Here are just some of the ways that you can get involved as a Scouting volunteer:
- Working directly with Scouts on an ongoing basis
- Cubmaster, Den Leader, Scoutmaster, or Venturing Crew Advisor
- Assistant Cubmaster, Den Leader, Scoutmaster, or Venturing Crew Advisor
- Helping Scouts directly in specific events or activities
- Merit badge counselor
- Driver for events and activities
- Troop or crew camping trip participant
- Board of Review coordinator or member
- Support: Administrative Role
- Unit committee chair or member (for advancement, communications, treasury, etc.)
- District/council committee chair or member
- Popcorn Kernel
- Youth Protection training coordinator
- Chartered organization representative
- Friends of Scouting coordinator
Please note that, for the safety of our youth, all potential volunteers must go through an application process, including a criminal background check that requires a social security number, and must complete Youth Protection Training (available online) before being registered as a volunteer.
What to Do Next
Ready to join the ranks of volunteers who are making a difference in the lives of youth across central and eastern Kentucky? Just talk with your Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor—or call the Blue Grass Council service center at (859) 231-7811. Welcome aboard the Scouting movement!