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.
Gareth Thomas
Explorer Scout Leader
How long have you been volunteering for?
I have been volunteering for almost 8 years.
How did you get involved and what inspires you to volunteer in Scouting?
When I was young, Scouting was always part of my life and I only left when I was 16 to join the Royal Navy. Becoming a volunteer was going to happen eventually, and in my case, it was when my eldest who joined Beavers. I felt I wanted to give something back, having had the experience when I was younger.
What are your favourite things about Scouting?
Watching my Explorer Scouts grow from 14 to18 year olds, just being around a group of young people who truly want to be in Scouting. At that age, it isn’t easy for them due to peer pressures that often occurs in secondary schools.
What positive impact do you believe you have on young people through volunteering?
That is a tough question, because that is something only the young people can answer, but I do like to think that when an Explorer turns 18, or leaves due to their exams or for whatever other reason, that they go away happy and have had a good time at Scouts.
What advice would give anyone looking to join Scouting?
Enjoy yourself, go with the flow and remember, you are doing it for the young people, if they are having fun, then what you are doing is working.
How do you believe you have benefited by volunteering for Scouting?
I have learnt about teenagers, until my son turning 13, I didn’t have anything to do with this age group. I feel that they are the ones teaching me sometimes, and quite frankly I’m happy with that. However, above all else, I’ve made even more friends and I’ve kept in touch with those Explorers that have gone through Scouting. Just like the forces, this is a unique family, one that will make you lots of friends, and people who will help you as often as they can, when they can.
