I am a volunteer with Scouting, and every week I have the privilege of facilitating 25 fantastic Scouts as they become their very best selves. The best part is that it’s enjoyable for them and for me—it’s not just about running sessions, it’s about sharing in the fun and discovery that happens along the way.
My inspiration to get involved was quite simple: giving back. I’ve been very lucky in life, supported and encouraged by many people who have helped me grow, and I felt it was time to pass that on. I was never a Scout myself, but I could see from the outside that it was a well-run and supportive organisation. It seemed like the right place to put my energy.
I’ve now been involved in Scouting for three years. Unlike many others, I haven’t yet pursued additional roles or opportunities beyond my local troop, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I know that when the time is right, there are countless directions Scouting can take you, and I keep that possibility open.
What motivates me to continue is seeing growth in others. There’s nothing like hearing a parent say, “My Scout would never do that,” and then watching their child go ahead and achieve it. That moment of surprise, pride, and joy is wonderful to witness. It’s amazing to see young people thrive, gaining skills they didn’t know they were capable of, and then carrying that confidence into the rest of their lives.
My reasons for volunteering haven’t changed much yet. I’m still only three years in, but the core purpose remains the same: helping young people flourish. What I hope to achieve through my role is straightforward but meaningful. I want the Scouts under my care to leave with practical skills—how to cook, how to be safe outdoors, how to act responsibly. More than that, I hope they take with them values like team spirit, collaboration, and a sense of community. These are skills for life, and Scouting offers the perfect environment to nurture them.
Volunteering has also helped me connect with others in my community in ways I didn’t expect. Everybody seems to know who I am now. I often see former Scouts who stop to say hello and share what they’re doing with their lives, which is always rewarding. When we’ve needed support from the wider community—like when we put a call out for old cooking pots—people have been incredibly generous. That sense of connection goes both ways; you give to the community, and the community supports you in return.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had has been working with neurodivergent Scouts. Helping them achieve something they never thought possible is profoundly moving. One example was sending them off on a night hike with no technology—just a map, instructions, and a destination. Watching them set off nervously and then arrive, beaming with pride, was extraordinary. Of course, we always have safety measures in place like tracking, but the point is that they did it themselves. We were only there if needed. Those moments show just how powerful Scouting can be.
The impact of volunteering has extended beyond Scouting itself. It has improved my personal skills and made me more effective in the workplace. I’ve grown in confidence, particularly in interpersonal and team skills, and I find I have more to share in conversations with friends and colleagues. Talking about the adventures and challenges of Scouts always makes for interesting stories, and it’s given me a new sense of pride in what I do outside of work.
That’s not to say it comes without challenges. Time is always the biggest one. Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day, and volunteering takes commitment. But with good time management and, most importantly, a fantastic volunteer team around me, the workload is manageable. In fact, I’ve found I can now do much more than I ever thought possible. The rewards more than outweigh the challenges.
The most rewarding part of volunteering is simple: watching others grow and being able to think to yourself, “I played a small part in that.” Those moments, when a young person learns a new skill or overcomes a challenge, make every hour worthwhile.
On a personal level, I’ve improved my management skills, especially when it comes to working alongside and leading other volunteers. I’ve become more confident, better at teamwork, and more willing to step forward into leadership. Volunteering has taken me out of my comfort zone, but in the best possible way.
Looking to the future, I don’t see myself stopping. In fact, I’d like to do more. When I retire, I want to give a lot more time to Scouting. I can see myself getting involved in activities like sailing or cycling, and perhaps stepping into a more senior role in the hierarchy. There are so many ways to give back, and I’d like to explore them all when the time is right.
My advice to anyone considering becoming a volunteer is simple: be patient, and be kind. Everyone in Scouting is a volunteer, and they’re all doing their best. It’s one of the most rewarding commitments you can make. The people are wonderful, the impact is lasting, and you’ll discover skills and joys you never expected.
