You’ve probably heard of the 4 Week Challenge, it was launched by the Scout Association a couple of years ago to encourage adults to have a go at being a leader.
The purpose of the 4 Week challenge is for adults to see and experience Scouting first hand.
The four weeks will showcase how easy it can be to help, show you how much fun it is and gradually build a relationship between the leadership team and the new adults gradually increasing their involvement in the programme across four weeks.
Volunteering is #Goodforyou. It’s not just about what you can bring to the group for our young people, it’s also about you! Volunteering’s not just about giving back – it goes both ways. It improves your wellbeing, gives you skills for the future, and helps you make new friends (and memories).
Adults taking part in the four week challenge would not normally wear uniform but we give you a group Necker, and a Scouting name if you want one, making you feel welcome and part of the team.
Week 1 – Come along and see what we get up to
This is your chance to familiarise yourself with the venue and the programme 
as well as meet the team. You will be involved in the activities but we won’t expect you to run anything yet.
Week 2 – Start to help out
Building on week one, hopefully you are starting to feel part of the Team. We will involve you in the activities and let you lead on small tasks (Maybe running an activity base or game). At the end of this week we will ask you to come prepared to run something next week, if you are feeling confident enough.
Week 3 – Get a little more invovled (maybe even run an activity?)
Hopefully by now you are becoming part of the team. We will involve you in everything happening in the evening and encourage you to take the lead on an activity which hopefully you have planned and organised. Don’t worry we will help you out here.
Week 4 – By now, you’ll know if Scouting is for you
During week 4- we will set time aside during meeting, or just after to find out how you have found it, if you enjoyed it, feedback for if it’s repeated in future, if they would be interested in helping again and how? On this evening, should you decide it’s for you, then we will add you to our database and begin the disclosure (DBS) check application.
DBS and Membership
Most adults taking part in the four week challenge will not be current members of the Scout Association nor hold a Scouting disclosure (DBS) check.
On the first evening the new volunteer will be given a yellow card and be familiarised with the venue. Meeting before the start of the section meeting.
What next?
There is absolutely no commitment to continue as a fully fledged leader. 
There are lots of other options to helping out our group.
So the four week challenge is complete and you have agreed to continue volunteer…. what’s next?
This is just the beginning of an adult’s journey into Scouting. We will assign you a mentor and your section leader will be there to support you through this adventuous, rewarding and fun role.
So what are you waiting for? Talk to a section leader and get started on your journey.
