Give Back
Ngā Mahi Rato
Voluntary Service
The Voluntary Service Section is your chance to make a real difference by giving your time to help others — whether that’s supporting people in your community, protecting the environment, or caring for animals. Through regular volunteering, you’ll build confidence, empathy, and a sense of purpose, while developing valuable skills like communication and teamwork. It’s about stepping up, being part of something bigger, and making a positive impact in a way that’s meaningful to you.
What you'll do
Choose a way to give your time that feels purposeful — whether it’s helping others, caring for the environment, supporting a local cause, or volunteering online. The key is that your service helps others and adds value to your community.
Set a SMART goal that focuses on how you’ll contribute and grow — whether it’s planning regular visits to an aged care home, helping run a local sports club, or volunteering with an animal shelter.
💡 Your Award Leader can help you confirm your activity meets the Voluntary Service criteria (and not Physical Recreation or Skills).
What Counts as Voluntary Service?
Time Commitment
The Award is designed to encourage good habits, steady commitment, and personal growth over time.
Participants are required to complete 13, 26, or 52 hours (depending on Award level and section requirements) over the minimum timeframe for their Award, with progress recorded in the Online Record Book (ORB).
The ORB counts up to one hour per week per section towards Award hours, so it is important to record the actual date and time spent on each activity.
If you do more hours than required, you do not need to log every activity. For activities that take place fortnightly or monthly, simply record the date and time completed. The ORB can count up to four hours across a 28-day period towards your Award hours.