Venture Volunteer - Role Profile

• Being aware of key health and safety requirements and ensuring that young people are well cared for over the course of each weekend.
• Getting to know participants and supporting them by listening to what they have to say and showing empathy with them.
• Encouraging young people to participate in activities, praising them for their achievements and challenging any unhelpful attitudes or behaviour that they may display.
• Participating in and, when confident and competent to do so, leading fun and engaging group work, conservation and outdoor activities.
• Undertaking your share of cooking, cleaning and management of the bothy.
• Contributing to the evaluation of each Bothy Venture by taking part in a review meeting with the staff/volunteer team at the end of each trip.
• Checking participant and group equipment in  and out at the start and finish of each weekend.

• Enthusiasm and energy for running activities and encouraging young people to get involved and try new things.
• A flexible and determined approach for dealing with unexpected or difficult situations such as poor weather or demotivated participants.
• An awareness of the needs of others and a commitment to keeping the group safe at all times.
• A tolerant and non-judgemental attitude.
• An interest in personal development, conservation and/or outdoor activities.
• The ability to work as part of a team with staff and other volunteers.
• A reasonable level of stamina and physical fitness.
• National Governing Body Awards in outdoor activities (e.g. Summer Mountain Leader Award or canoeing awards) are useful but not essential.
• The ability to drive a car and/or minibus would be useful but is not essential.

• You will need to commit to attending an individual induction session, training evenings or a residential training weekend before commencing volunteering with us.
• A minimum of two trips per six-month programme or more depending on your availability.
• Most trips take place from Friday evening to Sunday evening. You will also have the opportunity to volunteer on for activity days & longer residential trips which last for five days.
• You need to attend a planning meeting in advance of each trip you are going on (these are generally on Wednesday evenings but can be rearranged to suit individual volunteers).

• An individual induction session.
• Basic training through a number of evening sessions or a residential training weekend.
• You will have the opportunity to progress to advanced leadership training for volunteers after volunteering during one six-month programme.
• The chance to access relevant external training e.g. John Muir and/or Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader Training and be offered support in achieving National Governing Body Awards in outdoor activities if that interests you.
• One to one support from a designated staff member as and when you need it.
• You will be reimbursed for travel and other relevant expenses.

• To be part of a dynamic, motivated and outdoor-loving team.
• Satisfaction of making our residential weekends happen and from seeing young people progress.  
• The chance to visit the beautiful sites at which Venture Scotland operates.
• The chance to develop skills and experience in a range of areas including youth work, conservation and outdoor education.
• Opportunity to complete the John Muir Awards in conservation.

• We ask that all new Venture Volunteers complete our volunteer training which is currently being delivered through twice yearly, residential training weekends at our Kinlochetive bothy.
• You can download and complete our Volunteer Application Form or request an application pack by calling our office in Glasgow or by emailing volunteer@venturescotland.org.uk
• We are not currently accepting new applications for Venture Volunteering, we will reopen our application process from April 2012.

Thanks you for your interest in volunteering with us!