I am a huge advocate of the scouting movement for young people and their families. It’s a fantastic organisation that gives children the opportunity to develop their confidence, increase responsibility, and make a broader set of friends – whilst having the chance to experience adventure and independence.
Having recently attended Staffordshire Scout’s annual general meeting, I learned that scouting is growing, and that more and more young people have a thirst for taking on a challenge and developing their skills for life. So much so that there are now nearly 600 young people waiting to join the adventure in the county.
They now need more adult volunteers to help change lives. The organisation functions best with a whole range of different volunteer skills. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer. The Scouts need tea makers, activity planners, tidy-uppers and helpers for as little or as much time as they can spare.
Volunteers can really benefit from getting involved with the scouts on a personal level. Those giving their time can take a role ‘front and centre’, by going on trips or expeditions at weekends, or alternatively, share their time in an administrative capacity. It’s a fantastic way to develop a sense of belonging in the community, whilst enabling opportunities for scouts to benefit from experiences, engage with the wider world and learn valuable life skills.
If you might be interested in becoming a scout volunteer, or if you know someone with some time and enthusiasm to give to this terrific association, contact Pat Russell, County Chair, Staffordshire County Scouts at Pat.Russell@staffordshirescouts.org.uk or the County Office at admin@staffordshirescouts.org.uk