The Scouts’ volunteers are teachers and social workers, scientists and politicians, police officers and lawyers and so much more. Volunteers in the UK have a wealth of experience and knowledge and it’s important that organisations like ours give great opportunities for volunteers to use their skills and experience to contribute to our goals and visions.
In East Lancashire, one of these volunteers is Brian, who currently helps manage a Beaver Scout Colony and serves on two Trustee Boards in Hyndburn. However, he is most frequently seen performing various tasks as a volunteer at Bowley, our County Campsite. As part of Volunteers’ week, we spoke to Brian about his experiences volunteering with the Scouts.
Why did you start volunteering with The Scouts?
My eldest started Beavers, and after a few weeks the leaders asked for parent helpers. He’s 19 now, and I am still scouting!
What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with the Scouts?
That’s a tough question.
Helping beavers on their first camp, learning and then teaching new skills, the look of joy on a child’s face when they manage to get a spark on a fire striker after trying for 15 minutes, sleeping among fish tanks, and volunteering with the team at Bowley scout camp to name a few.
Have you learned anything new, as a volunteer?
How to teach young people and adults, the value of good communication, and how a brew can fix almost any issue!
What would you say to people who are thinking of volunteering?
It’s the most rewarding thing I have ever done, you meet new people and learn new skills. Some of the memorable experiences I have had are sleeping among shark tanks, going down a coal mine, attending camp with 1600 other scouts, and seeing shy and nervous new Beavers make new friends and grow in confidence.
It also does your mental health wonders, getting out in the great outdoors for a few hours or days.
Interested? Find out more about getting involved on our vacancies page, here.
