Volunteers make a huge difference to young people's lives – giving them skills for life, while learning a whole lot about themselves along the way.
Here’s what Beryl Moss, who’s been volunteering with Scouts for 40 years, has to say.
I’d completed Brownies, Guides and Rangers in Suffolk, then I went on to complete all my Guider Training and ran my own Guide Company.
What skills have you learned and passed onto others?
I’ve learned how to be independent but at the same time, worked in groups with people of all ages. I’ve also learned a lot of practical and paperwork skills from doing my training.
How's volunteering at Scouts helped you in your personal life?
I’ve experienced mental health issues, which wasn’t easy, but the support I had from my friends and parents at Scouts helped me. While I struggled to do many things, I always managed to join Scouts activities and run my Cub Pack. My doctor supported me to be in Scouts and I was even able to join our Gang Show on stage. This helped build my confidence, especially since it was far beyond what I thought I could do at the time.
I’ve worked with the Jewish Scout community on Faiths and Beliefs, and I’ve learned new and different things about my religion. I’ve passed on my knowledge of religion through activities like crafts, and I’ve formed excellent bonds from this experience. I’m still in touch with my friends online from around the world, and I like spreading joy to others, especially if someone’s having a difficult day miles away.
Truly, no. You can’t expect to have something if you don’t give back to others, so follow the Scouts training journey, put yourself forward, and have a blast volunteering! You’re always welcome to give as much or as little of your time, and I never have time to be bored.
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