Scouting couldn't happen without our volunteers, they're fantastic! For Volunteer's week 2017, we decided to talk to a few of them to find out why they volunteer and what they get out of it. If you're interested in volunteering, why not have a look at some of the benefits, you can also email us at volunteer@axescouts.org.uk and we will help you find a role.
Gemma Kattana
Group Scout Leader at 1st Milton Scout Group
How long have you been volunteering for?
I have been volunteering for 10 years.
How did you get involved and what inspires you to volunteer in Scouting?
It all started when my youngest daughter started Cubs. I felt that by the time I got home after dropping her off, I wouldn’t have time to do anything before turning back to collected her, so I thought I might as well stay!
What are your favourite things about Scouting?
I love having an influence on the lives of the young people, seeing them arrive as quiet shy young people, and watch them develop their skills and confidence as they do more and more. I love getting them out and about, away from electronic devices, and I love, as adults, we can do things we perhaps never did as a kid, and we have as much fun being 'children' as the young people do.
As a Group Scout Leader, I love leading a group of people and supporting them doing their roles as best as I can. I have a fabulous team of leaders and I am able be there for them, helping them have fun, and making their life easier, it is all very fulfilling.
What positive impact do you believe you have on young people through volunteering?
I hope the young people going through Scouting go away with great memories and with skills that set them apart from others, not only on their CV but in life generally. I hope they go out into the world being responsible and caring adults, and they bring their own children up with the same values and ethics.
What advice would give anyone looking to join Scouting?
What have you got to lose! Not only do you have great fun and you are helping young people grow skills and confidence, you make lifelong friends and give back to the community in so many ways.
How do you believe you have benefited by volunteering for Scouting?
Scouting is widely known across the UK, and employers know that anyone who has volunteering with Scouts on their CV is showing commitment and life skills above others.
