FAQs

We have tried to answer some of the more frequently asked questions below, if you have a question that we haven’t had yet, then please contact us:

carfest@cheshirescouts.org.uk

FAQs

• Do volunteers have to be members of the Scout Association?
  • We ask that anyone wanting to join the Scout team at the event is a member of the Scout Association, or has direct involvement with Scouting (leaders, helpers, exec members, supporters, parent helpers etc.)
    There are opportunities for members of the public to volunteer at the event – contact the event organisers directly for more information
• Do I have to be involved with the local Scout Group to volunteer?
  • No, although the partnership started with Cheshire & Hampshire Scouts due to the event locations, we welcome anyone from the Scouting community to come and join us at the event.  We may contact your local Volunteer Lead, just to check the details you have provided.
• Do I need to have a current DBS?
  • You don’t need to have a current DBS to join the team of Scout volunteers at the event, although if you don’t have a current DBS it may limit some of the duties and activities you can be asked to carry out, due to the “family” nature of the event.
• Is there an age limit for volunteers?
  • Yes, this is specific to each event, so check if you are unsure.
    (please note that where under 18s are allowed to volunteer, this is a special dispensation we have negotiated with the event organisers, as any other volunteers or organisations at the event has to be 18+ only)
    CARFEST – 16+ if participating in Residential programme, !8+ otherwise
    BORN SURVIVOR – 18+ only
• Do Explorer Scouts need to have a leader with them? (Carfest only)
  • Where applicable for Explorers to volunteer as individuals, (for example the Carfest Residential), there is no need for a leader to accompany any Explorer Scouts volunteering at the event (although they would be more than welcome).
    Any group of Explorer Scouts attending not in the Residential programme must volunteer as a Unit and have accompanying leaders from their Unit.
    Any young person joining the team must have a signed authorisation form, which combines parental and leader authorisation.
• Do I have to wear uniform?
  • The “dress code” for Scout volunteers is either Scout uniform, or casual Scout clothing (such as iScout, or Group/District polo/hoodie).
    We ask that all Scout volunteers wear a necker whilst working, and you will also be provided with a hi-vis vest to wear whilst working.
• Do I have to volunteer for the full event?
  • Yes – we currently are looking for volunteers who are available for the full duration of the events we are involved with (you need to be free from the start of the first possible shift to the end of the last possible shift). For information about the duration of a specific event, please go to the relevant page.
• Do I have to camp?
  • No, you can stay in your own bed and travel each day to the event, as long as you can get there in time for the start of your shift. Please be aware that due to the nature of these events, traffic flow and volume will be different to usual.
• Do I get fed?
  • Again, this is event specific.  Catering arrangements will be communicated to volunteers.
  • Predominately volunteers are responsible for their own catering arrangements
• Can I request specific duties or shifts?
  • Due to the nature of the event, the numbers of volunteers for specific duties and times is entirely dependant on the visitor numbers – so we cannot guarantee any specific duty or shift.
  • The shifts are allocated out as fairly as possible, where the visitor flow allows.
  • Some events shifts are allocated once on site on a first come basis depending on previous experience and preferred roles
• Can I bring my younger child/children to the event?
  • Unfortunately we cannot allow adult volunteers to bring along their children to the event, as the event organisers are not covered by their insurance carriers for young people to participate as volunteers at the event.