I currently volunteer with Heritage House Scouts, a group that supports a wide age range of young people, from as young as eight or nine up to their mid-twenties. The group is specifically for those with additional needs, so every session is adapted to suit individual abilities and requirements. It’s a role that is both dynamic and responsive, because while each meeting is carefully planned, activities often have to be adjusted in the moment depending on how the young people are engaging. In addition to my work at Heritage House, I also occasionally support 3rd Chesham Scouts as a helper. Sometimes I take on an observational role, other times I step in with supervision, support, or even leading part of an activity. When I first began, I simply observed, but as I became more comfortable I started to take on more responsibility. Alongside this, I have committed to completing my Wood Badge, working steadily through the training modules with the encouragement of our local training officer.
My connection to Scouting actually goes much further back. As a child growing up in Greece, I attended an English school where the local Scout group was run by expats who did their best to follow the UK model. I absolutely loved my time there and it played a big part in shaping who I became. Later, I went on to complete my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, and that experience stayed with me too. Now, as a parent in the UK, all three of my children are involved in Scouts, including Heritage House. My first role with the group was as a trustee, joining the Executive Committee in 2023. In the early days I would stay during sessions to support my child directly, but as he began to settle and his needs were met, I realised I wanted to remain involved—not only as a parent, but as part of the group itself. With encouragement from the Group Lead, I began training just over a year ago, unsure at first whether my skills would translate, but finding it to be a very good fit.
Since then, my volunteering has grown steadily. I started as a parent helper in 2023, attending District Camp and Family Camp. I joined the Executive Committee later that year and signed up for a Leader role in July 2024. I have had opportunities to take part in planning meetings, in-person training at Braidwood, supporting fundraising events at the Chesham Christmas Market, and online training in supporting neurodiversity, which helped me facilitate the rollout of Individual Support Plans. Each of these experiences has deepened my involvement and my sense of purpose.
What motivates me most is the safe space that Scouts provides. It offers young people somewhere to be themselves, away from the constant overstimulation of screens, social media, and the pressures of school and society. Few organisations create this kind of connection, locally and globally, and I value it greatly. I’ve seen how Scouts develops independence and resilience, and I’ve noticed clear differences between those who attend and those who don’t. For young people with additional needs or who are neurodiverse, it can be one of the only supportive social environments available. It has become a lifeline, a place where friendships form, confidence grows, and families get some respite. My children always return from Scouts energised and accepted for who they are.
At first, my volunteering was about supporting my own child, but over time it became something personal. What started as a support role evolved into something I wanted to be part of for my own growth and values. I now feel strongly about helping to keep Scouting accessible, relevant, and inclusive for every generation. I’m especially passionate about promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and I want to continue ensuring that is visible and meaningful in everything we do. Working towards my Wood Badge has become a personal goal, but beyond that, volunteering itself gives me a sense of reset and renewal. It shifts my focus away from the daily pressures of life and reminds me to show up, connect, and build something lasting.
Through Scouts, I have become more deeply connected with my community. As a parent, I didn’t fully appreciate how much unseen effort goes into every meeting and camp. Now I am part of that effort, and I admire it greatly. I’ve built strong relationships with other leaders and parents, formed friendships with like-minded people, and connected across generations—learning from older leaders while supporting newer ones. We also collaborate with local partners and services: using Francis Wood for nature-based activities, boating at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, joining community efforts like litter picking with the Aylesbury Wombles, and attending local events such as pantomimes or swimming sessions. Scouts has connected me to all of this and made me proud to be part of it.
One of the most powerful experiences for me was attending Agoonoree, a camp for Scouts with additional needs, with my child. I went for a day visit not knowing what to expect, and was met with warmth and welcome. I saw leaders engaging with my child in ways that even specialist services had struggled to achieve, and I was deeply moved. Agoonoree demonstrated what true inclusion looks like, with volunteers working tirelessly to meet complex needs and parents visibly moved by the opportunities offered. Scouts from different groups built friendships, leaders coordinated seamlessly, and the whole experience showed me the real impact of inclusive Scouting at its best.
Of course, there are challenges. At one camp, a Scout went missing and was later found hiding on site. It was stressful, but I remained calm, coordinated with other leaders, and ensured the rest of the group continued safely while we searched. Afterwards, we reviewed our practices and improved our risk assessments and supervision. Day-to-day challenges also include managing disagreements or defiant behaviour among young people, but I see these as opportunities to teach resilience and trust.
The rewards, however, far outweigh the difficulties. The most rewarding part has been getting to know the young people, seeing them move from “I can’t” to “I’ll give it a go.” Leaders often talk about “my Scouts,” and I now understand that sense of pride and care. Watching them thrive has been a privilege.
Volunteering has changed me. It has pulled me out of my own life and reminded me that I am part of something bigger. It has made me more aware of my responsibilities, not only to plan and deliver activities but to act as a role model and supporter. It has given me confidence, taught me practical skills from inclusive planning to outdoor activities, and reminded me that I am resilient and capable of growth. Most importantly, it has reconnected me with parts of myself that can easily get lost in daily life.
Looking ahead, I see myself continuing as a Leader and contributing to shaping the future of Scouting so that it remains inclusive and relevant. I want to help it reach those with additional needs and those from underserved communities, and I want to support new leaders in finding their place in the movement. Scouts has the potential to be a lifeline, but only if it keeps adapting. Once you’re in, it’s true what they say—you don’t really leave. And if I’m here for the long haul, I want to play my part in building something meaningful and lasting.
To anyone considering volunteering, I would say this: you don’t need to be Bear Grylls to be a Scout Leader. You don’t even need to feel entirely confident at the start. The training and support are there to guide you, and you bring your own skills and energy with you. The rest you learn along the way. The best part is that you are never doing it alone. Volunteering with Scouts offers friendships, purpose, and experiences that are meaningful in ways you might never predict. Many people join and never look back, and I understand exactly why.
