| Written by Avril Bishop,
on 12-05-2008 11:20
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Views : 319 |
How did I get into Scouting? By Avril Bishop This is a question I often ask myself as I have very little natural scouting prowess. Thankfully I have discovered I can delegate many of the ‘tricky’ things I need to do, such as erecting tents, navigating, tying knots etc, etc. to other leaders more capable than I am. I am gradually learning the scouting, skills I need to be a better Scouter but I do know that even without those skills I am a useful leader. What I have discovered is that I really enjoy helping the children in all the sections of 1st Alconbury Scout Group develop into confident, capable and resourceful young people, who get a lot out of their scouting and from the scouting community. Although the scout movement has changed immeasurably since Lord Baden Powell’s day my experience at 1st Alconbury Scout Group shows me quite clearly that the spirit and fundamental ideas behind his original model of scouting are still fundamental to scouting today. It is a great pleasure to work with a fun, dedicated team of leaders, both adult leaders and young leaders. Did I say that it is fun to work with them? I meant it. Being a scout leader is a tremendously rewarding volunteer activity not just in terms of what you put into it but also in terms of what you get out of it. I am learning and doing many activities I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to do, such as archery, shooting, canoe-ing, hiking, climbing, camping, white water rafting (I hope later this year), to name a few. Just as we offer the children the opportunity to learn and do things they otherwise would not have the opportunity to do. Sometimes I feel I am little more than an overgrown Beaver or Cub with a little extra responsibility thrown in. It gives me a legitimate excuse to go and try out new adventures, sports and activities with my friends young and old. How I became involved in scouting is very familiar story to many people involved in scouting. About four years ago I was asked to go and help out in the Beaver Section or it would close. There were plenty of Beavers but no leaders. At the time I didn’t even know what a Beaver Scout was. I ended up in uniform and the scout movement got the added bargain of my two girls as Beavers as well. They are now a Cub and Scout respectively and I have just handed over the Beaver Scout Leadership to Michelle Chalker so I can help out more effectively with the Cub Scouts. Michelle will make an excellent Beaver Leader, she was great in the role of an assistant beaver leader and has many useful ideas to really give the Beavers the best scouting available. Aside from the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers themselves what really makes scouting at 1st Alconbury so much fun is the enthusiasm and dedication of the Leaders. I have made many good friends among the leaders and also among the parents who are often willing to help out. The old saying, ‘many hands make light work’, definitely applies. We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic parents who can devote a little bit of time to us to help us to continue to offer the best of scouting to you and your children. If you think this couldn’t be you, you might be surprised … I came into scouting with no scouting skills or experience and I am still here four years on choosing to get more and more involved and enjoying it. We have parents who offer specific skills, or who come in to talk about their jobs or pastimes, some help run badges, others come in to do the washing up or help out at specific events or activities. There is a space for anyone who is willing to help out at 1st Alconbury however little time you have to offer. Each volunteer who joins our team helps make scouting better for us all. Please contact Rick Kelly our Group Scout Leader or any of the leaders if you would like to volunteer to help us out.
Last update : 13-05-2008 14:21
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